caged-Ins(145)P3 P4

Caged IP3 (caged Ins(1,4,5)P3) is a photolabile derivative of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), an important intracellular second messenger. The photolabile protecting group prevents biological activity of the caged inositol phosphate prior to photolysis.

Upon irradiation with UV light, the protecting group is photochemically cleaved, releasing active Ins(1,4,5)P3. This enables rapid and controlled elevation of intracellular IP3 without directly activating upstream signaling events.

Caged inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate can therefore be used to investigate IP3-dependent signaling processes, including intracellular calcium signaling and the kinetics of downstream cellular responses.

References:

Walker J.W. et al., Nature 1987, 327, 249–252. DOI: 10.1038/327249a0