TPEN

Synonym(s):N,N,Nʹ,Nʹ- tetrakis-(2-Pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine;TPEN;TPEN - CAS 16858-02-9 - Calbiochem

CAS NO.：16858-02-9
Empirical Formula: C26H28N6
Molecular Weight: 424.54
MDL number: MFCD00036918
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-03-13 15:00:32

What is TPEN?

Description

TPEN (16858-02-9) is a cell permeable metal chelator. Frequently used to study effects of zinc depletion on cellular processes.1,2

Chemical properties

Colourless Crystals

The Uses of TPEN

Membrane-permeable zinc chelator; decreased the intracellular level of zinc and induced apoptosis

The Uses of TPEN

Membrane-permeable zinc chelator; decreased the intracellular level of zinc and induced apoptosis.

What are the applications of Application

TPEN is an apoptosis inducer and heavy metal chelator

Definition

ChEBI: An N-substituted diamine that is ethylenediamine in which the four amino hydrogens are replaced by 2-pyridylmethyl groups.

Biochem/physiol Actions

N,N,N′,N′-Tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) elicits pro-apoptotic effect in human acute promyelocytic NB4 cells by inhibiting nitric oxide signalling and Zn2+ signaling. In microglia pretreated with zinc, TPEN inhibits the interleukin 6 secretion and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. It induces damage on DNA structure by activating ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) and ATR (ATM-Rad3-related) signaling in human colon cancer cells.

Storage

Store at +4°C

References

1) Chimienti et al. (2001) Role of cellular zinc in programmed cell death: temporal relationship between zinc depletion, activation of caspases and cleavage of Sp family transcription factors; Biochem. Pharmacol. 62 51 2) Meplan et al. (2000) Metalloregulation of the tumor suppressor protein p53: zinc mediates the renaturation of p53 after exposure to metal chelators in vitro and in intact cells; Oncogene 19 5227

Properties of TPEN

Melting point:	110-112 °C
Boiling point:	530.56°C (rough estimate)
Density	1.3893 (rough estimate)
refractive index	1.4570 (estimate)
storage temp.	Sealed in dry,2-8°C
solubility	Soluble in DMSO (up to 10 mg/ml).
form	Tan solid
pka	5.19±0.12(Predicted)
color	Off-white or tan
BRN	4211982
Stability:	Stable for 2 years from date of purchase as supplied. Solutions in DMSO may be stored at -20°C for up to 3 months.
CAS DataBase Reference	16858-02-9(CAS DataBase Reference)

Safety information for TPEN

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P304+P340:IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and Keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing. P405:Store locked up.