In this article we are going to delve into the topic of Ruthenium red, a fundamental aspect that has gained great relevance in recent years. Ruthenium red is a topic that significantly impacts different areas, from the personal sphere to the professional sphere. Along these lines, we will analyze the different dimensions that Ruthenium red covers, as well as its influence on current society. Likewise, we will delve into specific aspects related to Ruthenium red, with the aim of providing a comprehensive and updated perspective on this topic. In addition, we will explore different perspectives and approaches on Ruthenium red, in order to offer a global and enriching vision. Without a doubt, Ruthenium red is a topic of great importance that deserves to be addressed carefully and in depth, which is why we will delve into its different aspects throughout this article.
Ruthenium red (RR) has also been used as a pharmacological tool to study specific cellular mechanisms. Selectivity is a significant issue in such studies as RR is known to interact with many proteins. These include mammalian ion channels (CatSper1, TASK, RyR1, RyR2, RyR3, TRPM6, TRPM8, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPV5, TRPV6, TRPA1, mCa1, mCa2, CALHM1) TRPP3, a plant ion channel, Ca2+-ATPase, mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter,tubulin, myosin light-chain phosphatase, and Ca2+ binding proteins such as calmodulin. Ruthenium red displays nanomolar potency against several of its binding partners (e.g. TRPV4, ryanodine receptors,...). For example, it is a potent inhibitor of intracellular calcium release by ryanodine receptors (Kd ~20 nM). As a TRPA1 blocker, it assists in reducing the airway inflammation caused by pepper spray.
RR has been used on plant material since 1890 for staining pectins, mucilages, and gums. RR is a stereoselective stain for pectic acid, insofar as the staining site occurs between each monomer unit and the next adjacent neighbor.
^Mariani Colombo P, Rascio N. "Ruthenium red staining for electron microscopy of plant material". Journal of Ultrastructure Research Volume 60, Issue 2, August 1977, Pages 135–139