N-Acetyl-L-cysteine

Acetylcysteine (N-Acetylcysteine, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine, or NAC) is a mucolytic agent that can cross the blood-brain barrier, which reduces the thickness of the mucus. NAC is a ROS inhibitor and a cysteine precursor, preventing hemin-induced ferroptosis by neutralizing toxic lipids generated by arachidonate-dependent activity of 5-lipoxygenases. NAC also induces cell apoptosis and has anti-influenza virus activities. In addition, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine ​​is the most stable form of cysteine ​​during drug delivery and can be used in disulfidptosis studies.

N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is a cell-permeable small molecule used in cell culture as an antioxidant and a precursor to glutathione. It protects cells from oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and supporting cellular redox balance.

Applications:

• Antioxidant defense: Reduces oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA.
• Glutathione booster: Acts as a stable source of L-cysteine to drive intracellular glutathione (GSH) synthesis.
• Organoid and stem cell media: Frequently added to specialized growth media for maintaining 3D organoids (such as intestinal, pancreatic, or lung organoids) and stem cell lines.
• Apoptosis prevention: Helps keep sensitive primary cells or neurons alive by preventing stress-induced cell death.

Keywords: Acetylcysteine, N-Acetylcysteine, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine, NAC, Endogenous Metabolite, Apoptosis, Ferroptosis, Influenza Virus, Zika, Inhibitor