CpG-free Fcy::fur

Synthetic cytotoxic CD::UPRT fusion gene in an expression plasmid

Suicide genes code for enzymes, such as cytosine deaminase (CD), that convert non-toxic compounds (prodrugs) into toxic products. CD converts cytosine and its analog, 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), to uracil and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) respectively.

5-FU is a toxic compound commonly used as an anticancer drug.

To increase the efficiency of the CD/5-FC pair, InvivoGen has fused the gene encoding uracil phosphoribosyl transferase (UPRT) to the CD gene.

UPRT converts 5-FU to 5-FUMP, an irreversible inhibitor of thymidylate synthase.

CD::UPRT fusions are 100 times more efficient than the CD genes alone and provide a greater bystander effect.

The CD::UPRT fusion gene is provided in the expression plasmid pSelect-zeo which is selectable with Zeocin™ in mammalian and E. coli cells.