Synonym(s): Antibiotic G418
Formula: C20H40N4O10 · 2H2SO4
Formula Weight: 692.71
CAS No.: 108321-42-2
Application: G 418 is an aminoglycoside antibiotic similar in structure to gentamycin. It is normally toxic towards eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, but is useful for selection of cells stably transfected with neomycin resistance gene (Neo). The optimal concentration for selection and maintenance must be determined for each cell line. For bacteria and algae, concentrations of 5 μg/ml or less are recommended. Animal cells may require up to 300-500 μg/ml. Typically, resistance is conferred by one of two dominant genes of bacterial origin, which can be expressed in eukaryotic cells. Cells that are multiplying will be affected sooner than those are quiescent. Cells in log phase may require three to seven days for selection. In general, concentrations of approximately 400 μg/ml for selection and 200 μg/ml for maintenance are required for mammalian cells.
Other Notes: Aminoglycoside antibiotic similar in structure to gentamicin, neomycin and kanamycin.
Biochem/physiol Actions: Mode of Action: Blocks polypeptide synthesis by inhibiting protein synthesis at the level of the 70S and 80S ribosomes. For use in the selection and maintenance of eukaryotic cells stably transfected with neomycin resistance genes.
Empirical Formula (Hill Notation): C4H5BrN2