Talk:Ruthenium red

MiPNet discussion forum: use of Ruthenium red (2013-11-28)

Patrice Petit

We work with cells which we treat with pollutants that induce a shift in metabolic activity (i.e. modifying the glycolysis pathway and inhibiting the mitochondrial function. We tried to use Ruthenium red to target the mitochondrial calcium uniporter; however, we got the impression that the RR works, we have some evidence which makes us suspecting non-specific targeting of the RR. The question are:

1 - does RR easily penetrate the plasma membrane (we can eventually add 0,001 % digitonine to our cells)?

2 - when measuring calcium with Fluo4 -AM we do not understand why RR totally abolish the fluorescence of the RR, since it is only the MUC which should be affected. Does RR non-specifically block other calcium pumps, channels and transport systems?

John P Boyle

RR is a very dirty compound. This is the description from abcam biochemical: Inhibitor of calcium signalling with multiple actions. Inhibits the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter, Ca2+-ATPase, troponin C and calmodulin. Attenuates capsaicin-induced cation channel opening. Inhibits Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release from ryanodine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores. Blocks large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels . I think that it does get through the plasma membrane easily as we have used it in intact cells and even tissue. Hope this helps.