Product Description
Hygromycin B 31282-04-9
AI Product Description
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Hygromycin B is a potent aminoglycoside antibiotic produced by the soil bacterium *Streptomyces hygroscopicus*. Widely utilized in molecular biology and biotechnology research, it serves as a critical selection agent for generating stable cell lines. Its primary mechanism of action involves binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit in prokaryotes and eukaryotes alike, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis by inducing misreading of mRNA and blocking translocation. Unlike many other antibiotics that target bacteria specifically, Hygromycin B exhibits broad-spectrum activity against both bacterial and fungal cells, making it particularly valuable for selecting eukaryotic cells engineered with specific resistance genes.
The chemical identity of this compound is well-documented, with the molecular formula C21H39NO14 and a CAS number of 1478-92-6. It appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder, soluble in water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), though its stability can be compromised under extreme pH conditions or prolonged exposure to high temperatures. In laboratory settings, researchers frequently employ Hygromycin B to maintain selective pressure on mammalian, insect, yeast, and plant cells transfected with the hygromycin B phosphotransferase (*hph*) gene. This gene encodes an enzyme that phosphorylates the antibiotic, rendering it inactive and allowing only the successfully transformed cells to survive and proliferate.
Beyond genetic engineering, Hygromycin B has historical significance in agricultural applications due to its antifungal properties, although its use in medicine is limited because of its cytotoxicity to human cells. The compound is essential for creating stable transgenic organisms, where consistent expression of a gene of interest is required over multiple generations. Proper handling requires adherence to safety protocols, as it can cause skin irritation and respiratory sensitization. Researchers must carefully titrate the optimal concentration for their specific cell type to ensure effective selection without causing undue stress or toxicity to non-resistant populations. As a cornerstone reagent in modern genetics, Hygromycin B continues to facilitate advancements in functional genomics, protein production, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies through precise cellular manipulation.