betaaminopropionitrile

Beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C3H8N2. It is an amino acid derivative and a nitrile. BAPN is known for its ability to inhibit lysyl oxidase, an enzyme essential for the cross-linking of collagen and elastin in connective tissues. This inhibition leads to structural abnormalities in these proteins.

Historically, BAPN gained attention due to its association with a condition called lathyrism. Specifically, it was identified as a causative agent in some forms of osteolathyrism, a disorder characterized by skeletal deformities and connective tissue weakness. The effect is observed in experimental animal models, where administration of BAPN leads to symptoms mimicking human lathyrism.

In research settings, BAPN is utilized as a tool to study the role of lysyl oxidase in various biological processes, including wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer metastasis. Its ability to disrupt connective tissue integrity makes it valuable for investigating diseases where these tissues are compromised. The compound is typically synthesized in laboratories and is not a naturally occurring substance found in significant quantities in food or the environment. Due to its potent biological effects, BAPN should only be handled in controlled laboratory environments by trained personnel.