Myriocin (ISP-1)

Strong

Sphingoid base analogue (long-chain alpha-amino acid)

Mechanism of Action

Potent and selective inhibitor of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), the rate-limiting enzyme catalyzing the first step of de novo sphingolipid/ceramide biosynthesis (condensation of L-serine and palmitoyl-CoA to 3-ketodihydrosphingosine). SPT inhibition depletes downstream sphingolipids including ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Immunosuppression results from impaired lymphocyte proliferation and migration due to S1P depletion. The synthetic derivative fingolimod (FTY720) is phosphorylated in vivo to act as an S1P receptor modulator, sequestering lymphocytes in lymph nodes.

Research Notes

Cicada FlowerMushroom

Myriocin was first isolated from Isaria sinclairii and demonstrated 10–100 times greater immunosuppressive potency than cyclosporine A with fewer nephrotoxic side effects. The derivative fingolimod received FDA approval in 2010 for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (Gilenya). Myriocin content in wild and artificially cultivated I. cicadae varies significantly — some studies report levels below detection limits while others document measurable amounts, suggesting strain-dependent production. Recent research (2024) in age-related macular degeneration models demonstrated protective effects of myriocin through ceramide pathway modulation.

Found In 1 Herb

Cicada Flower

Mushroom

3D Molecular Structure

Sphingoid base analogue (long-chain alpha-amino acid)

Drag to rotate · Click atoms to explore

Myriocin (ISP-1)

Sphingoid base analogue (long-chain alpha-amino acid)Bioactive phytochemical with therapeutic properties

Representative pattern: C₄H₂NO

Atoms

Carbon

Oxygen

Nitrogen

Hydrogen

Live Research

Open on PubMed

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