Biochem/physiol Actions
L-Mimosine is a plant amino acid and potential inhibitor of the cell cycle giving rise to growth arrest in G1-phase. An iron chelator that inhibits DNA replication in mammalian cells. Has been shown to have apoptotic activity in xenotransplanted human pancreatic cancer. L-Mimosine is also used as a hypoxia-mimetic agent to stabilize Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1). L-Mimosine stabilizes HIF-1 through the inhibition of Prolyl Hydroxylases (PHDs) which target HIF-1 through degradation. The mechanism of inhibition is likely through the chelation of Fe2+ bound to the active site of PHD which is required for enzymatic activity.