G 418-BC: selective antibiotic for molecular research and gene transfer

G 418-BC is an antibiotic belonging to the aminoglycosides group. Due to its toxicity on bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and mammalian cells it is widely used as a selective agent in the molecular genetic research. Biochrom GmbH offers G 418-BC in powder form and as a sterile ready-to-use preparation.

mechanism: inhibits protein synthesis by disturbing the ribosome function

In order to use G 418, a derivative of neomycin, as selective antibiotic the neomycin resistance gene is required. This gene encodes an aminoglycoside 3‘-phosphotransferase (APT). APT is originally located on the bacterial transposon TN903. The heterologously expressed APT phosphorylates G 418 on the hydroxyls, which inhibits any interaction with ribosomes.