3-Mercaptopicolinic Acid (hydrochloride)

3-Mercaptopicolinic Acid (hydrochloride) (CAS No.: 320386-54-7) is a small-molecule metabolic inhibitor widely used as a research tool in studies of glucose and amino acid metabolism, characterized as a competitive inhibitor of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), a key regulatory enzyme in the gluconeogenesis pathway. By targeting PEPCK with inhibitory activity in the low micromolar range, this compound suppresses hepatic glucose production, leading to pronounced hypoglycemic effects in experimental systems. Mechanistically, it disrupts the conversion of key substrates such as lactate, pyruvate, and alanine into glucose, while having minimal impact on pathways downstream of fructose metabolism, thereby confirming its site-specific action within gluconeogenic flux. In addition to its effects on glucose synthesis, 3-Mercaptopicolinic Acid hydrochloride modulates amino acid metabolism, including inhibition of asparagine catabolism, resulting in the accumulation of free amino acids and amide-containing metabolites. These combined activities make it a valuable probe for dissecting metabolic regulation, energy homeostasis, and enzyme function in cellular and animal models, particularly in studies of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and related conditions. Experimental applications typically involve tailored concentrations or dosing regimens depending on the biological system and study design, supporting its use in mechanistic investigations and early-stage drug discovery targeting metabolic pathways.