Menadione belongs to the Vitamin K class of compounds, which are necessary for the biosynthesis of prothrombin and other blood clotting factors. Menadione has demonstrated cytotoxic activity against a variety of cell culture lines and can induce apoptosis of cultured cells, such as osteoclasts and osteoblasts, via elevation of peroxide and superoxide radical levels.
Applications
Menadione is a prothrombogenic compound1 and is used as a model quinone in cell culture and in vivo investigations.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Menadione (Vitamin K3) is a synthetic analogue of of 1,4-naphthoquinone with a methyl group in the 2-position. Menadione is used as a phosphatase inhibitor and an inhibitor of mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ (pol γ). Menadione can be used as an oxidative injury (free radical generator) inducing agent.
Synonyms: Vitamin K3, 2-Methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone
CAS Number: 58-27-5
Molecular Formula: C11H8O2
Molecular Weight: 172.2
Beilstein Registry Number: 1908453
EC Number: 200-372-6
MDL Number: MFCD00001681