Blasticidin S is a nucleoside antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces griseochromogenes. It is a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Blasticidin S acts quickly by inhibiting peptide bond formation by the ribosome.
Blasticidin S is used for the prevention of contamination of cell cultures. The recommended working concentration ranges from 1–20 µg/mL depending on the cell line. This product is provided as a solution at 10 mg/mL in 20 mM HEPES (pH 7.2–7.5) and is supplied in 10 vials each containing 1 mL.
In addition, Blasticidin S is used as a bacterial selection antibiotic in the concentration range of 50–100 µg/mL. Resistance is conferred by expression of either one of two Blasticidin S deaminase genes: BSD or bsr. These deaminases convert Blasticidin S to a nontoxic derivative. To maintain the activity of Blasticidin S for selection purposes, the salt content of the LB medium must remain low (<90 mM) and the pH should not exceed 7.0.
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