MK-912 is non-specific alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, with high affinity for the alpha-2-A, alpha-2B, and alpha-2C variants. Originally developed by Merk & Co, it has been investigated for potential therapeutic properties for the treatment of depression and diabetes. MK-912 is also regularly used as a molecular probe in biomedical studies seeking information about alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.

Sphingosine harbors two chiral centers and therefore exhibits four stereoisomers, only one of which, the D-erythro (2S,3R) is known to exist naturally. ERYTHRO-SPHINGOSINE, (±)- is a mixture of two isomers: inactive ERYTHRO-SPHINGOSINE, (+)- and the active ERYTHRO-SPHINGOSINE, (-), also known as D-erythro (2S,3R)-SPHINGOSINE or D-erythro –SPHINGOSINE. It was found, that D-erythro –SPHINGOSINE acts as a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C and of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7). Besides, was shown, that sphingosine may be efficacious against alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, irrespective of TP53 mutation status. It also could evolve as alternative treatment options for aggressive lymphomas via PKC inhibition, apoptosis, and autophagy.