Sortin1: Key Facts, Uses & FAQs | Aladdin Scientific

Sortin1 is a small-molecule chemical tool used in plant cell biology research to perturb vacuolar protein sorting and investigate the endomembrane trafficking pathway.

Product Name

Sortin1

SKU

S693293

Application

Chemical perturbation of vacuolar protein sorting in plant cells

Research Area

Plant cell biology, endomembrane trafficking

Format

Small molecule compound

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific

What Is Sortin1?

Sortin1 is a synthetic small-molecule compound developed as a chemical genetics tool to study protein sorting within the plant endomembrane system. It was identified through phenotype-based screening in plant systems and has been used to dissect the mechanisms by which cargo proteins are directed to the vacuole. By applying Sortin1 to plant cells, researchers can selectively perturb vacuolar delivery pathways, enabling functional interrogation of sorting machinery without genetic manipulation.

Mechanism of Action

Sortin1 interferes with the sorting of soluble vacuolar cargo proteins in plant cells. Studies in Arabidopsis thaliana have demonstrated that treatment with Sortin1 causes mis-sorting of vacuolar-targeted proteins, leading to their secretion to the extracellular space rather than delivery to the vacuole. The precise molecular target of Sortin1 has not been fully characterized; it is believed to act on components of the endomembrane sorting machinery, potentially affecting vesicle budding, coat protein recruitment, or receptor-cargo interactions involved in vacuolar trafficking.

Note: The exact molecular target remains under investigation. Researchers should consult the primary literature for the most current mechanistic understanding.

Recommended Applications

Sortin1 is recommended for use in the following research contexts:

• Vacuolar trafficking studies: Investigating the routes and regulators of vacuolar protein delivery in plant cells.
• Chemical genetics: Complementing genetic approaches by providing acute, dose-dependent, and reversible perturbation of sorting pathways.
• Endomembrane biology: Probing the functional organization of the plant Golgi, trans-Golgi network (TGN), and prevacuolar compartments (PVC).
• Cargo mis-sorting assays: Using fluorescently tagged vacuolar markers to visualize misrouting upon Sortin1 treatment.

Sortin1 is intended for research use only and is not suitable for diagnostic, therapeutic, or food/agricultural applications.

Storage and Handling

Proper storage of Sortin1 is essential to maintain compound integrity and experimental reproducibility. General recommendations for small-molecule research compounds of this class include:

• Store in a cool, dry location away from light and moisture.
• Prepare stock solutions in an appropriate solvent (commonly DMSO) and aliquot to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Consult the product datasheet (available on the Aladdin Scientific product page for SKU S693293) for lot-specific storage temperature, solubility data, and shelf-life information.

Always refer to the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Ordering Information

Sortin1 is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU S693293. To place an order or request a quotation, please visit the Aladdin Scientific website or contact your regional sales representative. Bulk quantities and custom packaging may be available upon request. For questions regarding pricing, promotions, or delivery timelines, please refer to the Aladdin Scientific ordering and shipping policies.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sortin1 used for in plant biology research?

Sortin1 is used as a chemical tool to perturb vacuolar protein sorting in plant cells. Researchers apply it to study how soluble cargo proteins are directed to the vacuole via the endomembrane system, and to identify components of the sorting machinery by observing mis-sorting phenotypes.

In which model organism is Sortin1 most commonly used?

Sortin1 has been most widely applied in Arabidopsis thaliana, the primary model organism for plant cell biology. It has been used in both seedling and cell culture systems to investigate endomembrane trafficking.

Is Sortin1 treatment reversible?

Sortin1 is reported to act as a reversible chemical perturbant, meaning that removal of the compound from the growth medium can restore normal vacuolar sorting. This reversibility makes it a valuable tool for temporal control experiments in chemical genetics studies.

What solvent is recommended for preparing Sortin1 stock solutions?

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is commonly used to prepare stock solutions of small-molecule chemical genetics tools such as Sortin1. Please consult the product datasheet for SKU S693293 on the Aladdin Scientific website for confirmed solubility and recommended stock concentration data.

Can Sortin1 be used in non-plant cell systems?

Sortin1 was identified and characterized specifically in plant cell systems, and its utility in mammalian or other non-plant systems has not been well established in the published literature. Researchers interested in non-plant applications should conduct preliminary feasibility experiments and consult the primary literature.

References

1. Zouhar J, Hicks GR, Raikhel NV. Sorting inhibitors (Sortins): Chemical compounds to study vacuolar sorting in Arabidopsis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2004;101(25):9497-9501. doi:10.1073/pnas.0402204101

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.