MAPTAM | 147504-94-7

MAPTAM is a specialized membrane-permeant calcium indicator employed predominantly in cellular biology to assess intracellular calcium levels. This compound is particularly notable for its ability to traverse cellular membranes, a property that permits it to enter live cells seamlessly. Upon entry, MAPTAM is converted into its active fluorescent form through the action of cytosolic esterases. This conversion is critical, as it enables the indicator to emit fluorescence upon binding to calcium ions, thus allowing researchers to visualize and measure calcium dynamics within cells.

The primary application of MAPTAM lies in the investigation of cytosolic calcium’s role within various cellular processes. Calcium ions are pivotal second messengers in many signaling pathways that control everything from muscle contraction to neurotransmitter release in neurons. By using MAPTAM, researchers can monitor calcium fluctuations in real-time, providing insights into how cells regulate activities such as metabolism, gene expression, and cell death. This application is crucial for understanding diseases related to calcium dysregulation, such as cardiac disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

In neuroscience, MAPTAM is an invaluable tool for examining the spiking activities of neurons. Neuronal firing and synaptic transmission depend heavily on calcium influx, making it essential to study these ions’ movements intricately. MAPTAM facilitates the exploration of neuronal circuits by offering a window into the rapid changes in calcium levels that occur during neural activity. This can contribute to a more profound understanding of learning and memory as well as pathological states like epilepsy, where calcium signaling is often disrupted.

Another vital application of MAPTAM is in cardiac research. The heart’s rhythmic contractions are heavily influenced by calcium signaling. By using MAPTAM, researchers can study calcium’s role in the heart more closely, helping to elucidate how calcium channels function during the cardiac cycle. This is particularly beneficial for uncovering the mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias and devising potential treatments or interventions to manage heart diseases.

Lastly, MAPTAM is instrumental in the field of pharmacology, especially in drug discovery and development. Calcium channels and signaling pathways are common targets for many drugs. By applying MAPTAM in pharmacological studies, scientists can screen new compounds for their effects on calcium dynamics within cells. This improves understanding of drug efficacy and potential side effects, leading to the development of safer and more effective therapeutics.