Cayman Swainsonine

Swainsonine is an indolizidine alkaloid naturally found in certain plants including locoweed that inhibits N-linked glycoside hydrolases, preventing the processing of asparagine-linked glycoproteins. It reversibly inhibits lysosomal α-mannosidase and Golgi α-mannosidase II (IC₅₀ = 0.2 μM).¹ Swainsonine is used to study the role of N-linked glycosylation in cellular processes and has been shown to have antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects on cancer cells in culture and in mice.^2,3,4 The inhibition of α-mannosidase activity in lysosomes produces an accumulation of partially-processed oligosaccharides and glycoproteins, giving rise to lysosomal storage disease. Swainsonine toxicity in herbivores results in a condition known as locoism, characterized by hyperactivity, aggression, stiff and clumsy gait, low head carriage, salivation, seizures, and apparent blindness, culminating in increased miscoordination, weakness and death.

WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.