tBuBHQ is a chemically synthesized compound.
It is widely used as a potent selective inhibitor of the sarcolasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase pump (SERCA). The pump transfers Ca2+ from the cell cytosol to the endoplasmic reticulum lumen during muscle relaxation.
Inhibition of SERCA by tBuBHQ causes a dose dependent, sustained, and marked increase of cytoplasmatic Ca2+ and store operated Ca2+ depletion.
tBuBHQ also causes superoxide anion production independently of Ca2+ secretion.