This is a working overview of REV-ERB agonist, written for readers who want more than a one-paragraph summary but less than a textbook.
Reviewed 2025-12-18. Anything still debated is marked as such rather than presented as settled.
Regulatory status varies by country and intended use. Major drug agencies have not granted marketing authorization for SR9009 as a medicine, and it is not listed as a controlled substance in many jurisdictions. It is often sold as a research chemical, a category that may fall outside pharmaceutical manufacturing rules. Buyers should verify local laws and supplier documentation, including certificates of analysis. The lack of standardized quality controls raises concerns about identity, purity, and actual content in products marketed online.
In laboratory settings, SR9009 is commonly identified by its molecular structure and its interaction with REV-ERB receptors. Vendors may list it under synonyms such as Stenabolic or REV-ERB agonist, but those names do not define purity or identity. Analytical confirmation typically uses high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection or liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. A reference standard is needed to compare retention time and mass spectrum, because the compound can be confused with related research chemicals.
At the molecular level, SR9009 binds REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ and alters their repressive activity on target genes. These nuclear receptors help regulate the circadian clock, lipid synthesis, glucose metabolism, and inflammatory pathways. By changing transcription, the compound can shift the timing or magnitude of downstream metabolic processes in model systems. It does not act through androgen receptors or adenosine receptors, which distinguishes it from several substances sold for athletic performance. Whether the same transcriptional changes occur in humans at tolerable exposures remains an open question because controlled human studies are lacking.
Preclinical reports describe effects on exercise endurance, mitochondrial content, and lipid profiles in rodents, but these findings come from specific experimental conditions. Many studies use high doses or delivery methods that may not translate directly to human use. SR9009 has been reported to have low oral bioavailability and a short half-life, which complicates interpretation of oral dosing studies. It is not established as safe or effective for any indication. Literature discussions often separate its pharmacological mechanism from unverified claims made in fitness and supplement markets.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white solid | Visual inspection is not sufficient for identity. |
| Solubility | Soluble in DMSO and ethanol | Low solubility in water. |
| Typical storage | -20 °C, desiccated, dark | Protect from repeated temperature changes. |
| Common analytical method | LC-MS or HPLC-UV | Reference standard required for comparison. |
| Common synonyms | SR9009; Stenabolic; REV-ERB agonist | Vendor naming may vary. |
SR9009 is a synthetic small molecule developed as a REV-ERB agonist. It binds to REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ, nuclear receptors that help regulate circadian rhythms and metabolic gene expression. In cell and animal studies, the compound alters lipid and glucose handling and influences skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. Its exact effects in humans remain largely uncharacterized because controlled clinical trials have not been reported. The molecule is frequently described in preclinical literature as a metabolic modulator.
Research interest in SR9009 grew from studies showing improved running endurance in mice after short treatment periods. Those experiments linked the compound to increased mitochondrial content and fatty acid oxidation in muscle, but the findings come from animal models and specific dosing schedules. Independent replication has been limited, and the pathways connecting REV-ERB activation to exercise performance are still being mapped. Whether similar responses occur in humans is an open question.
Stability depends on physical form, temperature, light exposure, and solvent. Solid SR9009 is generally stored cold and dry, with protection from light to limit degradation. Dimethyl sulfoxide stocks are common for laboratory work, but repeated freeze-thaw cycles can reduce compound integrity. Aqueous solutions may be less stable than organic stocks, and the ethyl ester in the structure can be susceptible to hydrolysis under certain conditions. Researchers typically validate storage conditions and recheck purity before quantitative experiments, especially when using archived material.
Regulatory treatment of SR9009 varies by country and region. It is not approved as a pharmaceutical, and several jurisdictions restrict its sale for human consumption. Some authorities classify it as a research chemical, a prescription-only substance, or a prohibited performance-enhancing agent in sport. Purchasers may encounter certificates of analysis, but these documents do not guarantee identity, purity, or legality. In research settings, institutional safety reviews and controlled procurement help ensure that materials are handled under appropriate oversight. The absence of harmonized rules means that legal status can change and requires verification.
Analytical identification of SR9009 typically relies on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. In biological samples, researchers first separate the compound from matrix components using protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction, or solid-phase extraction. High-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy can support structural confirmation of reference materials. Because SR9009 is a small, relatively lipophilic molecule, reverse-phase columns and acidic mobile phases are common. Laboratories often include isotope-labeled internal standards to improve quantification and to correct for ion suppression.
Scientific discussion of SR9009 often separates animal evidence from human anecdote. Rodent studies provide controlled data on endurance, metabolism, and gene expression, but they use specific strains, doses, and treatment durations. Human reports are mostly uncontrolled and cannot establish cause and effect. Open questions include oral bioavailability, tissue distribution, metabolic stability, and long-term effects. Review articles generally call for more rigorous pharmacokinetic and safety research before any clinical use could be considered.
Analytical methods for SR9009 typically rely on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The technique can separate the parent compound from related substances and detect low concentrations in biological matrices. Urine and blood are common samples in anti-doping testing, while in vitro studies may use cell culture media. Rapid metabolism and low expected concentrations make method validation important for reliable identification. Exact metabolite patterns can vary by species and are not fully mapped.
Regulatory treatment of SR9009 reflects its investigational status. The compound has no approved human therapeutic indication, and sports authorities prohibit its use. It appears on anti-doping lists as a non-approved substance or metabolic modulator, depending on the list version. Products sold online as research chemicals are not quality-controlled medicines, so their identity and purity can differ from the label. Such products may also contain unlisted compounds, which complicates both testing and safety assessment.
REV-ERB proteins help regulate daily cycles in gene expression, including genes tied to lipid and glucose metabolism. SR9009 binds these receptors and alters their activity in cell and animal experiments. Consequences observed in rodents include changes in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, blood lipid levels, and exercise performance. The precise chain from receptor occupancy to whole-body effects is still an active area of study. Human responses cannot be assumed from rodent data.
Most published work on SR9009 consists of preclinical studies. It is widely sold as a research chemical, a category that does not imply safety, efficacy, or pharmaceutical-grade quality. Sports anti-doping organizations have listed SR9009 as a prohibited substance, and its presence in an athlete sample can lead to sanctions. Legal status differs by country; in several jurisdictions it is not approved for human consumption and may be treated as an unapproved new drug.
In iodine-deficient regions, hypothyroidism (due to iodine deficiency) is the leading cause of preventable intellectual disability in children. In iodine-sufficient regions, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
== Calibration == Historically, a sucrose solution with a defined concentration was used to calibrate polarimeters relating the amount of sugar molecules to the light polarization rotation. The International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA) played a key role in unifying analytical methods for the sugar industry, set standards for the International Sugar Scale (ISS) and the specifications for polarimeters in sugar industry. However, sugar solutions are prone to contamination and evaporation. Moreover, the optical rotation of a substance is very sensitive to temperature. A more reliable and stable standard was found: crystalline quartz which is oriented and cut in a way that it matches the optical rotation of a normal sugar solution, but without showing the disadvantages mentioned above. Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO2) is a common mineral, a trigonal chemical compound of silicon and oxygen. Nowadays, quartz plates or quartz control plates of different thickness serve as standards to calibrate polarimeters and saccharimeters. In order to ensure reliable and comparable results, quartz plates can be calibrated and certified by metrology institutes. Alternatively, calibration may be checked using a Polarization Reference Standard, which consists of a plate of quartz mounted in a holder perpendicular to the light path. These standards are available, traceable to NIST, by contacting Rudolph Research Analytical, located at 55 Newburgh Road, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, USA.
=== Accelerated aging === In humans, individuals with RTS, and carrying the RECQL4 germline mutation, can have several clinical features of accelerated aging. These features include atrophic skin and pigment changes, alopecia, osteopenia, cataracts and an increased incidence of cancer. Also in mice, RECQL4 mutants show features of accelerated aging.
Movshovitz-Attias, Dana; Cohen, William W. (2012). Alignment-HMM-based Extraction of Abbreviations from Biomedical Text. Montreal, Canada: NAACL. [1]. Davis, Neil M. (2014). Medical Abbreviations: 32,000 Conveniences at the Expense of Communication and Safety (15th ed.). Warminster, PA, USA: Neil M Davis Associates. ISBN 978-0-931431-15-9. Available online (by subscription) at MedAbbrev.com. Jablonski, Stanley (2008). Jablonski's Dictionary of Medical Acronyms and Abbreviations with CD-ROM (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders. ISBN 978-1-4160-5899-1. Sloane, Sheila B. (1997). Medical Abbreviations & Eponyms (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders. ISBN 978-0-7216-7088-1.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
=== Location === Tarlov cysts are most commonly located in the S1 to S4/S5 region of the spinal canal, but can be found along any region of the spine. Tarlov cysts typically form on the extradural portions of the sacral nerve roots, most often near the dorsal root ganglion of the dorsal (sensory) nerve roots. They arise within the perineural space, between the endoneurium and perineurium. Occasionally, these cysts are observed in the lumbar and thoracic spine. The cysts are often multiple, extending around the circumference of the nerve, and can enlarge over time to compress neighboring nerve roots, to cause bone erosion. The cysts may also form on the anterior (front) side of the sacrum and have been known to extend into the pelvic cavity. These cysts, though rare, can be found to grow large - over 3–4 centimetres (1.2–1.6 in) in size, often causing severe pelvic pain from compression on the cyst itself as well as adjoining nerves.
Furthermore, problems with producing or using glutamate have been suggestively and tentatively linked to many mental disorders, including autism, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, and depression. Having too much glutamate has been linked to neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Mg2+ is first enabled to bind to the active site by the rotation of His335 to an alternate conformation. Mg2+ is then coordinated by the His residues of the active site (His300, His302, His335), and is partially neutralized by the coordination of three water molecules and their conversion to −OH. This coordination results in an unstable complex, but produces a favorable environment for the binding of Mg2+. Formation of the carbamate is favored by an alkaline pH. The pH and the concentration of magnesium ions in the fluid compartment (in plants, the stroma of the chloroplast) increases in the light. The role of changing pH and magnesium ion levels in the regulation of RuBisCO enzyme activity is discussed below. Once the carbamate is formed, His335 finalizes the activation by returning to its initial position through thermal fluctuation.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Nitro cold brew is a variation of cold brew coffee that adds nitrogen gas to create a smooth texture, delivering the nitrogenated coffee from a nitrogen beer tap system. It was introduced in the early 2010s.
=== Electrical conductivity and electrolysis === Pure water has a low electrical conductivity, which increases with the dissolution of a small amount of ionic material such as common salt. Liquid water can be split into the elements hydrogen and oxygen by passing an electric current through it—a process called electrolysis. The decomposition requires more energy input than the heat released by the inverse process (285.8 kJ/mol, or 15.9 MJ/kg).
=== P187s === One widespread single-nucleotide polymorphism of the NQO1 gene (NQO1*2), found homozygous in 4% to 20% of different populations, has found to be connected with different forms of cancer and a lowered efficiency of some chemotherapeutics like mitomycin C. This single nucleotide polymorphism leads to a proline serine exchange on position 187. NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 P187S has been shown to have a lowered activity and stability. Crystallographic and nuclear magnetic resonance data show that the reason for this different behaviour is found in a flexible C-terminus of the protein leading to a destabilization of the whole protein. Recent pharmacological research suggests feasibility of genotype-directed redox chemotherapeutic intervention targeting NQO1*2 breast cancer. A comprehensive meta-analysis showed an association between overall cancer risk and P187S.
=== Homonuclear nuclear magnetic resonance === With unlabelled protein the usual procedure is to record a set of two-dimensional homonuclear nuclear magnetic resonance experiments through correlation spectroscopy (COSY), of which several types include conventional correlation spectroscopy, total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY) and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY). A two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance experiment produces a two-dimensional spectrum. The units of both axes are chemical shifts. The COSY and TOCSY transfer magnetization through the chemical bonds between adjacent protons. The conventional correlation spectroscopy experiment is only able to transfer magnetization between protons on adjacent atoms, whereas in the total correlation spectroscopy experiment the protons are able to relay the magnetization, so it is transferred among all the protons that are connected by adjacent atoms. Thus in a conventional correlation spectroscopy, an alpha proton transfers magnetization to the beta protons, the beta protons transfers to the alpha and gamma protons, if any are present, then the gamma proton transfers to the beta and the delta protons, and the process continues. In total correlation spectroscopy, the alpha and all the other protons are able to transfer magnetization to the beta, gamma, delta, epsilon if they are connected by a continuous chain of protons. The continuous chain of protons are the sidechain of the individual amino acids.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry is common for identity and purity checks. High-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection can also be used. Both methods require a suitable reference standard.
The solid is usually kept desiccated at -20 °C or lower and protected from light. Stock solutions are aliquoted to limit freeze–thaw cycles. Aqueous solutions are not generally recommended for long-term storage.
Laws differ by country and by intended use. It is not an approved medicine, and many vendors sell it as a research chemical. Purchasers are responsible for confirming local restrictions.
SR9009 is a synthetic REV-ERB agonist used in laboratory research. It is not an approved drug, and its effects in humans are not well characterized. It is often sold as a research chemical under the name Stenabolic.