UCN-1028C: PKC Inhibitor FAQs for Researchers

UCN-1028C is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC) widely used in cell signaling research to dissect PKC-dependent pathways in vitro and in cellular systems.

Product Name

UCN-1028C

SKU

C103017

Primary Target

Protein Kinase C (PKC)

Compound Class

Staurosporine analogue / indolocarbazole-type PKC inhibitor

Research Application

Cell signaling, PKC pathway dissection, kinase inhibition assays

Supplier SKU

C103017 (Aladdin Scientific)

What Is UCN-1028C and How Does It Work?

UCN-1028C is a synthetic small-molecule inhibitor belonging to the indolocarbazole (staurosporine analogue) class of compounds. Its primary pharmacological action is the potent inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC), a family of serine/threonine kinases that play central roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and signal transduction.

UCN-1028C competes with ATP at the kinase active site, thereby blocking phosphorylation of PKC substrates. Because PKC isoforms are implicated in numerous disease-relevant pathways, UCN-1028C is a valuable tool compound for researchers investigating signal transduction mechanisms in cancer biology, immunology, and neuroscience.

Selectivity, Potency, and Key Pharmacological Properties

UCN-1028C demonstrates potent inhibitory activity against PKC isoforms. As with other indolocarbazole-class compounds, researchers should be aware that some degree of activity against related kinases (e.g., other serine/threonine kinases sharing structural similarity at the ATP-binding pocket) may exist. Appropriate selectivity profiling using kinase panels is recommended when designing experiments that require high target specificity.

When comparing UCN-1028C to other PKC inhibitors in your panel, consider running parallel experiments with structurally distinct PKC inhibitors to confirm on-target effects. Consult the product datasheet (SKU: C103017) for the most current potency and selectivity data, as specifications may be updated.

Solubility, Reconstitution, and Storage Guidelines

Proper handling of UCN-1028C is critical for reproducible experimental results. As an indolocarbazole compound, UCN-1028C is generally soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at stock concentrations typically in the range of 10–50 mM, though users should verify solubility limits from the product datasheet (SKU: C103017) before preparing working solutions.

Recommended handling steps:

• Prepare concentrated stock solutions in DMSO and store as single-use aliquots at −20 °C or −80 °C, protected from light.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which may degrade compound integrity.
• When diluting into aqueous assay buffers or cell culture media, ensure the final DMSO concentration does not exceed 0.1–0.5% to minimize solvent cytotoxicity, unless your assay system has been validated for higher DMSO tolerance.
• Always include appropriate vehicle controls (DMSO at equivalent concentrations) in experimental designs.

Refer to the official Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for lot-specific storage and handling instructions.

Experimental Applications and Typical Use Concentrations

UCN-1028C is used across a range of in vitro and cell-based assay formats to probe PKC function:

• Biochemical kinase assays: Used to determine IC₅₀ values and assess inhibitor potency against recombinant PKC isoforms.
• Cell-based signaling studies: Applied to dissect PKC-dependent phosphorylation events, downstream effector activation, and transcriptional responses.
• Apoptosis and proliferation assays: Employed to evaluate PKC's role in cell survival and growth in cancer cell lines.
• Neuroscience research: Used to investigate PKC involvement in neuronal signaling, long-term potentiation (LTP), and neuroprotection studies.

Typical working concentrations vary by application and cell type. Users are advised to perform dose-response experiments to establish the optimal concentration range for their specific experimental system. Always validate compound activity using positive controls and established PKC substrate readouts (e.g., phospho-specific antibodies targeting known PKC substrates).

Ordering, Quality, and Regulatory Information

UCN-1028C is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU C103017. Each lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) detailing purity, identity confirmation (typically by NMR and/or HPLC), and lot-specific quality data.

For ordering and procurement: Contact Aladdin Scientific's sales team or place orders through the official website. Bulk quantities and custom packaging may be available upon request.

Regulatory notice: UCN-1028C is supplied for research use only (RUO) and is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or human use. Users are responsible for compliance with all applicable institutional, local, and national regulations governing the use of research chemicals, including proper waste disposal in accordance with the SDS.

For questions regarding product specifications, availability, or technical support, please contact Aladdin Scientific customer service.

Frequently asked questions

What is UCN-1028C used for in research?

UCN-1028C is used as a pharmacological tool to selectively inhibit protein kinase C (PKC) in biochemical and cell-based assays. Researchers employ it to study PKC-dependent signaling pathways in areas including cancer biology, neuroscience, and immunology. It is intended for research use only and is not for diagnostic or therapeutic applications.

What solvent should I use to dissolve UCN-1028C?

UCN-1028C is generally soluble in DMSO, which is the most commonly recommended solvent for preparing stock solutions. Users should consult the product datasheet and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for SKU C103017 to confirm the recommended solubility and concentration range for their specific lot. When adding to aqueous media, dilute carefully to keep final DMSO below 0.5% and include matched vehicle controls.

How should UCN-1028C be stored to maintain stability?

UCN-1028C should be stored as single-use aliquots at −20 °C or −80 °C, protected from light and moisture. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided as they can compromise compound integrity over time. Always refer to the lot-specific SDS and CoA provided with SKU C103017 for the most accurate and up-to-date storage recommendations.

Is UCN-1028C selective for PKC over other kinases?

UCN-1028C is classified as a PKC inhibitor, but as an indolocarbazole-class compound it may exhibit activity against other kinases that share structural similarity at the ATP-binding site. Researchers requiring high selectivity confirmation should perform kinase profiling experiments and run structurally distinct PKC inhibitor controls in parallel. Specific selectivity data should be verified from the current product datasheet for C103017.

Where can I order UCN-1028C and what documentation is provided?

UCN-1028C (SKU: C103017) is available directly from Aladdin Scientific via the official website or through the sales team. Each order is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming purity and identity, and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) outlining safe handling and disposal procedures. For bulk orders or custom packaging inquiries, contact Aladdin Scientific customer service.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific product datasheet for UCN-1028C, SKU C103017. Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet available upon request.
2. Toullec D, et al. The bisindolylmaleimide GF 109203X is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein kinase C. J Biol Chem. 1991;266(24):15771-15781. [Cited as contextual reference for PKC inhibitor class background; verify applicability to UCN-1028C specifically.] PMID:1651669
3. Staurosporine and analogues as PKC inhibitors: general class mechanism reference. [Specific primary literature for UCN-1028C mechanism not identified in source material; original research articles must be identified and verified.]

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