Forskolin, Tocris Bioscience™

Forskolin, or coleonol, is a cell-permeable, potent, reversible and rapid activator of adenylyl cyclase, an enzyme that converts ATP to cAMP and pyrophosphate (EC50 = 0.5 μM). In combination with 5 other compounds, forskolin enables chemical reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts to pluripotent stem cells, without genetic factors: Valproic acid, sodium salt (Cat. No. 2815), RepSox (Cat. No. 3742), Tranylcypromine hydrochloride (Cat. No. 3852), CHIR 99021 (Cat. No. 4423) and 3-Deazaneplanocin A hydrochloride (Cat. No. 4703). In combination with IBMX (Cat. No. 2845), forskolin induces neural differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by downregulating neuron restrictive silencer factor. In a rat model of Huntington's disease-like neurodegeneration, forskolin also exhibits neuroprotective effects. Hypotensive and vasodilatory agent.

Water-soluble analog, NKH 477 (Cat. No. 1603), and Forskolin synthesized to Ancillary Material Grade also available.

For more information about how Forskolin may be used, see our protocol: Transdifferentiating Fibroblasts into Neurons.