G418 (Geneticin)

Selection antibiotic for mammalian cells - Sterile, endotoxin-free

G418 (Geneticin), CAS 108321-42-2, is a high-quality selective antibiotic for eukaryotic cells, provided as a sterile, cell culture-tested solution. This aminoglycoside antibiotic, similar in structure to gentamicin B1, is produced by Micromonospora rhodorangea. G418 blocks polypeptide synthesis by inhibiting the 80s ribosomal subunit, thus disrupting proofreading and the elongation step, in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells [1].
 

G418 is considered the standard antibiotic used for eukaryotic selection experiments. Resistance to this antibiotic is conferred by the Neomycin resistance gene (neo) from Tn5 encoding an aminoglycoside 3'-phosphotransferase, APH 3' II.

Selection in mammalian cells is usually achieved in 3 to 7 days with concentrations ranging from 400 to 1000 µg/ml. Cells that are dividing are affected more rapidly than non-dividing cells.
 

Key features

• Each lot thoroughly tested to ensure lot-to-lot reproducibility
• Potency validated in G418-sensitive and G418-resistant mammalian cell lines
• Absence of long-term effects confirmed in G418-resistant cells

All InvivoGen products are for research use only, and not for human or veterinary use.

Reference:

1. Bar-Nun S, Shneyour Y, Beckmann JS. G-418, an elongation inhibitor of 80 S ribosomes. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1983 Oct 13;741(1):123-7.

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Specifications

CAS number: 108321-42-2

Formula: C₂₀H₄₀N₄O₁₀ • 2H₂SO₄

Molecular weight: 692.7 g/mol

Appearance (form): Liquid

Appearance (color): Colorless

Product concentration: 100 mg/ml

Buffer: HEPES

pH: 5.4 - 6.0

Purity: ≥ 90% (HPLC)

Sterility: 0.2 um filter sterilized

Endotoxin level: < 0.5 EU/mg

Working concentration: 400 - 1000 µg/ml

Quality Control: Cell-culture tested

Structure:

Contents

G418 is supplied as a sterile filtered solution at 100 mg/ml in HEPES buffer.

This product is available in three pack sizes:

• ant-gn-1: 10 x 1 ml (1 g)
• ant-gn-2: 20 x 1 ml (2 g) 
• ant-gn-5: 1 x 50 ml (5 g)

G418 is shipped at room temperature.

Upon receipt it should be stored at 4°C.

FAQs

Why does one of my bottles of G418 solidify when stored at -20°C, while another remains completely liquid and translucent?
We observe the same phenomenon internally. Even below 0°C, the freezing reaction of the solution does not start spontaneously as it needs a disturbance to start. This disturbance can be a vibration, a shock, etc. According to our scientists, we often observe differences in solidification between several tubes of G418, which can be explained due to a small shock to one tube and not the others.
Please note that as soon as solidification has occurred in the liquid, it behaves like a chain reaction and spreads quickly throughout the available volume of solution.

What is the preferred storage method for G418?
G418 is shipped at room temperature. Upon receipt, it should be stored at 4°C for short term storage or -20°C for long term storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The expiry date is specified on the product label. Once opened it remains stable for 1 year at -20°C providing you avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and it can be kept at 4°C for 3 months provided it is kept in sterile conditions.

What is the selection concentration of G418 in mammalian cells?
The working concentration of G418 for selection and maintenance of mammalian cell lines transfected with the neo gene varies depending on a multitude of factors, including cell type. Therefore, we recommend to determine the optimal concentration of antibiotic required to kill your host cell line by initially treating your cells with several concentrations (e.g. 100 μg/ml – 1 mg/ml). Please note: G418 is regularly used at 400 μg/ml.

Any questions about our Selection antibiotics ? Visit our frequently asked questions page