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Puromycin dihydrochloride is a potent antibiotic that is widely utilized in molecular biology and biochemistry. It is derived from the bacterium Streptomyces alboniger and is known for its ability to inhibit protein synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Puromycin is a nucleoside analog of adenosine, with the chemical formula C22H29N7O5S. The dihydrochloride salt form enhances its solubility in aqueous solutions, making it suitable for laboratory applications. Its mechanism of action involves mimicking aminoacyl-tRNA, allowing it to bind to the ribosome during translation, leading to premature termination of polypeptide chains.

Applications in Research

Selection Marker: Puromycin is commonly used as a selection marker in genetically modified cells. Cells that successfully incorporate puromycin resistance genes can survive in the presence of the drug, facilitating the isolation of transfected or transformed cell populations.

Studying Protein Synthesis: Researchers utilize puromycin to study the dynamics of protein synthesis and degradation. By inhibiting translation, scientists can analyze the effects of disrupted protein production on cellular functions.

Cell Culture Techniques: Puromycin is frequently employed in mammalian cell culture systems to maintain stable cell lines. It helps ensure the persistence of genetic modifications by selectively killing non-resistant cells.

Safety and Handling

While puromycin is an effective research tool, it is important to handle it with care. It can be toxic to human cells, so appropriate safety measures should be taken. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and lab coats is recommended when working with this compound.

Conclusion

Puromycin dihydrochloride remains an essential reagent in molecular biology, enabling researchers to explore the complexities of gene expression and protein synthesis. Its ability to selectively inhibit translation makes it invaluable for creating stable cell lines and advancing our understanding of cellular processes.