Fibronectin tetrapeptide (RGDS peptide) is a key component of the cell attachment domain of fibronectin fibrinogen α, and von Willebrand factor, that interacts with αVβ1 and αVβ3 integrins. The Fibronectin tetrapeptide sequence was found initially to promote the attachment of rat kidney fibroblasts (NRK cells) to fibronectin and synthetic fibronectin peptides coupled to protein-coated plastic. Further investigation indicated that the free Fibronectin tetrapeptide peptide inhibited the attachment of NRK cells to fibronectin-coated substrates. The RGDS sequence has been shown to occur in several other proteins, such as the λ receptor on E. coli and the Sindbis coat protein. RGDS is also a target sequence for spirochete adherence of the syphilis bacterium Treponema pallidum. RGDS has been shown to block fibrinogen-induced aggregation of intact erythrocytes and specific binding of fibrinogen to erythrocyte membranes. The effect of RGDS on transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1) mRNA expression and secretion in cultured human mesangial cells have been investigated. RGDS has been utilized in a study of integrin-mediated signal transduction in cultured cells from the sponge Suberites domuncula. RGDS has been demonstrated to mitigate the binding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to murine alveolar macrophages

Lucidin-3-O-primeveroside (LuP) is an anthraquinone derivative present in Rubia tinctorum L. (madder root), which has been used as a coloring agent and food additive. LuP can be metabolically converted to genotoxic compound lucidin, which subsequently forms lucidin-specific N2-2'-deoxyguanosine (N2-dG) and N6-2'-deoxyadenosine (N6-dA) DNA adducts. Lucidin is mutagenic and carcinogenic in rodents but has low carcinogenic risks in humans. Lucidin adduct destabilizes DNA structure and reduces fidelity and processivity of DNA synthesis.

Cholesteryl acetate is a normal human cholesteryl ester present in diverse fluids and organs. Cholesteryl acetate is also present in foods. Food oxidation affects the quality and safety of the human diet by generating compounds with biological activities that can adversely affect health. Cholesteryl acetate`s role in protecting and improving the oral absorption efficiency of acid-labile antibiotics has being suggested. Cholesteryl acetate is used in cosmetics, wrist watches, thermometers, propane tank volume indicators, video displays, pharmaceuticals.

Blasticidin S is a metabolite of Streptomyces griseochromogenes and was formerly used in practice as a fungicide against a phytopathogenic fungus, Pyricularia oryzae. Blasticidin S inhibits protein synthesis of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms by interacting with their ribosomes. Blasticidin S, a protein synthesis inhibitor, inhibits aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus without affecting fungal growth. It has been demonstrated that blasticidin S also exhibits antibacterial activity, toxicity to mammalians and tumor-inhibitory activity.

Biotin methyl ester is an intermediate in the synthesis of Biotin. It is used as an inhibitor of biotin transport and uptake in “in vitro” researches. Biotin and its methyl ester are equally active for the growth of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain M). Lactobacillus casei can utilize the methyl ester of biotin. However growth and fermentation are slower than with free biotin.

Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) is widely used to attach a fluorescent label to proteins via the amine group. The isothiocyanate group reacts with amino terminal and primary amines in proteins. It has been used for the labeling of proteins including antibodies and lectins. Isomer I (Fluorescein 5-isothiocyanate) has the thiocyanate group on the 4 carbon of the benzene ring, whereas isomer II (Fluorescein 6-isothiocyanate) has the thiocyanate on the 5 carbon. The two isomers are indistinguishable spectrally, either by wavelength or intensity. Isomer I is more easily isolated in pure form, so is less expensive. This may explain why isomer I is more commonly used for labeling. For many purposes, however, the mixed isomers of FITC will be perfectly suitable.

Cytochalasin A is a metabolite of the fungus Drechslera (previously Heiminthosporium) dematioideum. Cytochalasin A is effective as an inhibitor of the cytoskeletal reorganisation. Cytochalasin A is able to inhibit cell proliferation. Cytochalasin A exerts antibacterial action toward gram-positive bacteria. Cytochalasin A was active as an inhibitor of HIV-1 protease.