Sirolimus, in contrast to tacrolimus a. is used in cancer chemotherapy b. is a purine antimetabolite c. binds to steroid nuclear receptors d. does not inhibit calcineurin e. inhibits reverse transcriptase

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Sirolimus does not inhibit calcineurin.

Step by step solution

01

Research Sirolimus and Tacrolimus

Before beginning to eliminate options, it is important for the student to understand what Sirolimus and Tacrolimus are. Sirolimus, also known as rapamycin, is a drug used for immunosuppression in organ transplantation and for treating some cancers. Tacrolimus, also known as FK506, is another immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplantation, but it has a different mechanism of action.
02

Compare Mechanisms of Action

Next, the student should compare the mechanisms of action of Sirolimus and Tacrolimus. Sirolimus works by binding to the FKBP-12 protein to form a complex, which then inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase. This, in turn, inhibits the immune response. Tacrolimus, on the other hand, also binds to FKBP-12, but the resulting complex inhibits calcineurin (a calcium-dependent enzyme), thereby preventing T cell activation and immune response.
03

Evaluate Each Option

Now, the student should evaluate each option given: a. is used in cancer chemotherapy - True for Sirolimus, but not a contrast to Tacrolimus. b. is a purine antimetabolite - False, neither Sirolimus nor Tacrolimus are purine antimetabolites. c. binds to steroid nuclear receptors - False, they bind to FKBP-12, not steroid nuclear receptors. d. does not inhibit calcineurin - True, Sirolimus does not inhibit calcineurin, unlike Tacrolimus. This statement demonstrates a contrast between the two drugs. e. inhibits reverse transcriptase - False, neither Sirolimus nor Tacrolimus inhibit reverse transcriptase.
04

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the evaluation in Step 3, the correct answer is 'd. Sirolimus does not inhibit calcineurin', as this statement accurately highlights a key difference between Sirolimus and Tacrolimus.

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