Hemin

Hemin is a biologically essential heme analog and HO-1 inducer, widely used in research to investigate oxidative stress, iron metabolism, and immune modulation. As a heme source, it reconstitutes or activates hemoproteins and serves in the study of disease mechanisms like anemia, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Properly stored, Hemin is stable and a powerful tool for both in vitro and in vivo applications.

• Formula: C₃₄H₃₂N₄O₄FeCl
• Formula Molecular Weight: 651.96

Hemin is an iron-containing porphyrin with chlorine. It is the oxidized (Fe³⁺) form of heme and acts primarily as: A heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inducer; a heme source in biochemical systems; an enzyme cofactor, especially for cytochromes; a modulator of oxidative stress and inflammation.

1. Hemin binds to heme-responsive transcription factors, particularly Bach1, displacing it to activate the expression of HO-1, a cytoprotective enzyme.
2. It serves as a cofactor for heme-containing enzymes (e.g., cytochrome P450s, catalase, peroxidases).
3. Hemin can modulate immune responses via regulation of Toll-like receptor pathways.
4. It exhibits pro-oxidant or antioxidant effects, depending on the biological context and concentration.

• Induction of HO-1 to study antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective pathways.
• Cellular heme supplementation in heme-deficient or heme-requiring cell lines.
• Iron metabolism studies, especially in macrophages, erythropoiesis, or hemolytic models.
• Drug screening involving heme-binding agents or hemoproteins.
• Cancer research: Modulation of proliferation and ferroptosis pathways.
• Neurodegenerative disease studies: Role in oxidative injury and neuroinflammation.
• Heme-based enzyme reconstitution: e.g., cytochrome c or catalase.
• Antiviral and antimicrobial research: Hemin can impact immune signaling.

• Source: porcine or bovine
• Store at 2 to 8°C.