Alisertib CAS 1028486-01-2
Selective Aurora A Kinase Inhibitor (MLN8237)
Alisertib (CAS 1028486-01-2), also MLN8237, is a potent, orally bioavailable, ATP-competitive inhibitor highly selective for Aurora A kinase (IC50 ~1.2 nM) with >200-fold selectivity over Aurora B. It disrupts mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome alignment and, uniquely, disrupts the Aurora A/Myc complex to drive Myc degradation. Molecular formula C27H20ClFN4O4, MW 518.92. Research-grade with COA.
Molecular Information
CAS: 1028486-01-2
Formula: C27H20ClFN4O4
MW: 518.92 g/mol
Class: Benzazepine
Core: Pyrimido[5,4-d][2]benzazepine
Target: Aurora A kinase (AURKA)
IC50: 1.2 nM (AURKA)
Selectivity: >200x vs Aurora B
Appearance: White to khaki solid
Synonyms: MLN8237
Storage: -20 C
Product Technical Specifications
Complete physicochemical properties and QC parameters for Alisertib (CAS 1028486-01-2)
📋 Physicochemical Properties
- Product NameAlisertib (MLN8237)
- IUPAC Core4-[[9-chloro-7-(2-fluoro-6-methoxyphenyl)-5H-pyrimido[5,4-d][2]benzazepin-2-yl]amino]-2-methoxybenzoic acid
- CAS Number1028486-01-2
- SynonymsMLN8237; MLN 8237; MLN-8237
- Molecular FormulaC27H20ClFN4O4
- Molecular Weight518.92 g/mol
- SourceSynthetic small molecule (Millennium/Takeda)
- AppearanceWhite to khaki solid
- Melting PointNot reported
- Water SolubilityInsoluble
- Organic SolubilityDMSO ~27 mg/mL; ethanol poorly
- Compound ClassBenzazepine / Aurora A kinase inhibitor
- HS Code2934.99
🔬 Quality Control & Handling
- Purity (HPLC)≥98%
- FormSolid powder
- Primary TargetAurora A kinase (AURKA)
- Pathway Readoutp-Histone H3 (Ser10) suppression; mitotic arrest; Myc loss
- Selectivity>200-fold over Aurora B; minimal off-kinome activity
- Storage Condition-20 C, sealed, protect from light
- Solution StabilityAliquot DMSO stocks; avoid freeze-thaw
- ShippingBlue ice / cold chain recommended
- QC DocumentationCOA / HPLC / NMR / MS / MSDS
- Pack Sizes1g / 5g / 10g / 100g / 1KG
- Stock StatusIn Stock
- Use StatementResearch use only; not for human/clinical use
Key Molecular Targets & Pathway Nodes
Alisertib's selectivity lets researchers isolate Aurora A biology from the overlapping but distinct Aurora B program that governs cytokinesis.
How Alisertib Works: Poisoning the Mitotic Spindle
Alisertib occupies the Aurora A ATP pocket, collapsing spindle assembly and chromosome alignment
ATP-Pocket Blockade of Aurora A
Alisertib binds the ATP-binding pocket of Aurora A (AURKA) with ~1.2 nM potency and >200-fold selectivity over Aurora B. Because the two Aurora kinases drive distinct mitotic events, this selectivity enables clean dissection of Aurora A-specific phenotypes without the cytokinesis defects that dominate pan-Aurora drugs.
Spindle Assembly & Chromosome Alignment Failure
Aurora A phosphorylates substrates (e.g., with TPX2) that organize centrosomes and the mitotic spindle. Inhibition produces monopolar/spindle defects, misaligned chromosomes and a raised G2/M population, with loss of the mitotic marker phospho-Histone H3 (Ser10) — a canonical pharmacodynamic readout.
Disruption of Aurora A/Myc & Apoptosis
Uniquely among Aurora inhibitors, alisertib disrupts the Aurora A/Myc complex, driving Myc degradation — especially important in Myc-amplified neuroblastoma. Persistent mitotic stress triggers apoptosis, autophagy and multinucleation at higher concentrations, yielding broad anti-proliferative activity across tumor lines.
⚖️ Alisertib vs Other Aurora Inhibitors
- Alisertib (this product)Selective Aurora A (IC50 1.2 nM); >200x vs B
- Barasertib (AZD1152)Aurora B selective (Haspin-adjacent)
- Tozasertib (VX-680)Pan-Aurora (A/B/C)
- DanusertibPan-Aurora + off-target kinases
- Selectivity EdgeClean Aurora A mechanistic studies
- Unique FeatureDisrupts Aurora A/Myc complex (Myc degradation)
♻️ Downstream Biological Consequences
- MitosisSpindle defects; chromosome misalignment
- Cell CycleG2/M accumulation; mitotic arrest
- Histone MarkReduced p-Histone H3 (Ser10)
- OncoproteinMyc degradation (Aurora A/Myc disruption)
- FateApoptosis & autophagy at higher dose
- PhenotypeMultinucleation (Aurora B-like at high conc.)
Research Applications & Models
Aurora A is amplified in several cancers; alisertib's selectivity makes it both a therapeutic lead and a precise mitosis probe.
Neuroblastoma
A flagship alisertib indication: Aurora A is frequently amplified, and alisertib uniquely degrades Myc via Aurora A/Myc disruption, showing activity in MYC-driven and high-risk neuroblastoma models.
MYC / AURKASmall Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Studied with paclitaxel in SCLC where Aurora A is a mitotic vulnerability; clinically evaluated in Phase II combination approaches.
Mitotic VulnerabilityMitotic Spindle Research
The definitive selective Aurora A tool for studying spindle assembly, centrosome maturation and chromosome alignment; benchmarked by p-Histone H3 (Ser10) loss and aligned-spindle assays.
Spindle / SACMYC-Driven Models
Used to probe Aurora A/Myc dependence and Myc-protein stability, a mechanism distinct from classical mitotic arrest — valuable in Myc-amplified cancers.
MYC DegradationLymphoma & Hematologic Malignancy
Shown to regress lymphoma xenografts; studied in diffuse large B-cell and other hematologic models where Aurora A supports proliferation.
LymphomaKinase Selectivity Profiling
Its >200-fold Aurora A vs B selectivity makes it the comparator of choice when distinguishing Aurora A from Aurora B contributions in kinase panels.
Kinome SelectivityIn Vivo Efficacy & PD
Evaluated in subcutaneous and intracranial xenografts with p-Histone H3 as a PD biomarker; oral activity supports chronic dosing schedules.
Xenograft PDCell-Cycle Arrest Studies
Applied to map G2/M checkpoint engagement, apoptosis and autophagy induction across colon, lung, breast, prostate and ovarian lines.
Cell CycleKey Literature & Landmark Publications
Key references on alisertib pharmacology and Aurora A biology.
Available Sizes & Ordering
Research-grade Alisertib (CAS 1028486-01-2) with full QC documentation; standard packs and bulk custom quantities supported.
| Tier | Pack Size | Stock Status | Suitable For | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1g | In Stock | Aurora A / mitotic cell assays | Same/next-day ship |
| Medium | 5g | In Stock | In vivo tumor & spindle models | Same/next-day ship |
| Large | 10g | In Stock | MYC-driven & combination studies | Same/next-day ship |
| Bulk | 100g | In Stock | Formulation & process development | Quote to confirm |
| Industrial | 1KG | Made to order | Pilot/production scale, CMO supply | Batch delivery |
💡 Reference sizes shown above; for exact pricing and availability please contact us for a quote. Bulk orders qualify for tiered discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is alisertib and what is it selective for?
What is the difference between Aurora A and Aurora B, and why does selectivity matter?
How does alisertib kill cancer cells?
Which tumors is alisertib studied in?
What is the aligned-spindles (AS) pharmacodynamic biomarker?
How soluble is alisertib and how should it be prepared?
Is QC documentation provided?
Need Alisertib (Selective Aurora A Inhibitor) for Your Research?
Research-grade Alisertib (CAS 1028486-01-2) — purity ≥98% HPLC, COA included
MLN8237 — >200-fold selective Aurora A kinase inhibitor that disrupts mitosis and degrades Myc — request a quote today




