G418 (Geneticin)

Selection antibiotic for mammalian cells - Sterile, endotoxin-free

G418 (Geneticin) 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
   

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.