Adenine 9-beta-D-arabinofuranoside (ara-A) is a synthetically produced purine nucleoside that is used in cell signaling research. It has commonly been used in anti-viral research with hepadnaviridae and herpes simplex viruses. The nucleoside ara-A interferes with viral DNA synthesis, but only in its active phosphorylated form. Active ara-ATP inhibits synthesis by incorporating into viral DNA and preventing phosphodiester bridge formation.

The compound ara-A is a precursor of adenine 9-beta-D-arabinofuranoside 5’monophosphate (ara-AMP). In vivo rat experiments of ara-AMP have shown a higher solubility and affinity for some proteins, both of which facilitate ara-AMP movement. Isolated human hepatocytes have also been shown to specifically endocytose the albumin/ara-AMP conjugate.

Product SpecificationsAdenine9-beta-D-arabinofuranosideVidarabine

Formula: C₁₀H₁₃N₅O₄

MW: 267.24 g/mol

Storage/Handling: Store at -20°C.

PubChem Chemical ID: 21704