XCT-790 is a potent and selective inverse agonist ligand of the estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα). Independent of its inhibition of ERRα, XCT-790 is a potent mitochondrial electron transport chain uncoupler.

Mitochondrial electron transport chain uncoupling effect

XCT-790 has been shown to uncouple oxygen consumption from ATP production in mitochondria at very low, nanomolar-range doses independently of ERRα expression. Its effects are similar to proton ionophores such as FCCP, which disrupt mitochondrial transmembrane electrochemical gradients. This uncoupling leads to a fast drop in ATP production and, consequently, a prompt activation of AMPK.

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