EDTA-AM (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, acetoxymethyl ester) is the membrane-permeant form of the metal chelator EDTA . Live cells passively load EDTA-AM by incubating with EDTA-AM. Once internalized, cytoplasmic esterase decomposes AM esters, releasing the active ligand EDTA, which isolates metal ions within the cell. EDTA-AM induces an arrest of mitotic progression and chromosome decondensation[1][2].
References:
[1]. Watkins CS, et.al. Effects on K+ currents in rat cerebellar granule neurones of a membrane-permeable analogue of the calcium chelator BAPTA. Br J Pharmacol. 1996 Aug;118(7):1772-8.
[2]. Maeshima K, et.al. A Transient Rise in Free Mg2+Ions Released from ATP-Mg Hydrolysis Contributes to Mitotic Chromosome Condensation. Curr Biol. 2018 Feb 5;28(3):444-451.e6.
















