Background:

4,6-Dioxoheptanoic acid is a potent inhibitor of heme biosynthesis.

4,6-Dioxoheptanoic acid (Succinylacetone, SA) is examined with regard to its ability to a) inhibit the second enzyme of the heme pathway, δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dehydratase, b) lower the heme concentration, and c) inhibit cell growth of murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells in culture[1].

[1]. Ebert PS, et al. Succinylacetone, a potent inhibitor of heme biosynthesis: effect on cell growth, heme contentand delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity of malignant murine erythroleukemia cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1979 Jun 27;88(4):1382-90.