Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate

PMA/TPA is the most commonly-used phorbol ester [1,2]. Binds to and activates protein kinase C (PKC) at nM concentrations [1,2,9]. Induces cell growth arrest through a variety of pathways including the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways mediated by cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors such as p21WAF1/CIP1, p27KIP1, p15 and p16. Potent mouse skin tumor promoter [3,4]. Promoter of inducible NOS (iNOS; NOS II) [5]. Apoptosis inducer [6]. Potential effective cancer therapeutic agent [7,8]. Inhibitor of anti-lipolytic activity of insulin [10]. PMA treatment stimulates THP-1 cells and generates M0 macrophages (M0).