Homotaurine

Homotaurine[1]
Identifiers
CAS number 3687-18-1
PubChem 1646
ChemSpider 1584 Y
KEGG D06202 Y
ChEMBL CHEMBL149082 Y
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C3H9NO3S
Molar mass 139.17 g mol−1
Melting point

293 °C (decomposition)

Hazards
R-phrases R36/37/38
S-phrases S26 S36
 Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?)
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Homotaurine (also spelled homotaurin) is a synthetic organic compound. It is analogous to taurine, but with an extra carbon in its chain. Because of its similarity in structure to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), it has GABAergic effects and may be useful as an anticonvulsant.[2]

Homotaurine has also been investigated as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. It binds to soluble amyloid beta and inhibits the formation of neurotoxic aggregates that lead to amyloid plaque deposition in the brain.[3] However, clinical trials failed to show value[4] [5]

Homotaurine is a zwitterion at neutral pH.

References

  1. ^ Homotaurine at Sigma-Aldrich
  2. ^ Fariello RG, Golden GT, Pisa M (1982). "Homotaurine (3 aminopropanesulfonic acid; 3APS) protects from the convulsant and cytotoxic effect of systemically administered kainic acid". Neurology 32 (3): 241–5. PMID 7199633. 
  3. ^ Aisen PS, Gauthier S, Vellas B, et al. (2007). "Alzhemed: a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease". Curr Alzheimer Res 4 (4): 473–8. doi:10.2174/156720507781788882. PMID 17908052. 
  4. ^ "Drugs In Clinical Trials : Alzhemed". Alzheimer Research Forum. http://www.alzforum.org/drg/drc/detail.asp?id=84. Retrieved 1 October 2011. 
  5. ^ "Analysts Skeptical Of Neurochem's Efforts To Salvage Value From Alzhemed". Canada National Post. November 13, 2007. http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/investing/story.html?id=1182469f-afb5-41f6-87d6-a2219c489800. Retrieved 1 October 2011.