Biochem/physiol Actions

Reversible: no

Primary TargetActs as a prodrug that is activated by phosphorylation

Product does not compete with ATP.

Cell permeable: yes

General description

A nucleoside analog that is structurally related to Acyclovir (Cat. No. 114798). Acts as a pro-drug that is activated by phosphorylation. It has been used in the study of "suicide gene therapy" in cancer research. Upon expression of a viral suicide gene encoding herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK), the non-toxic pro-drug is converted to the phosphorylated active analog and is incorporated into the DNA of replicating eukaryotic cells, causing death of the dividing malignant cells. Causes an irreversible cell cycle arrest at the G₂/M checkpoint. Has also been used to study the loss of telomers and to evaluate the sensitivity of viruses to anti-viral agents.

A nucleoside analog structurally related to Acyclovir (Cat. No. 114798). Acts as a prodrug that is activated by phosphorylation. Has been used in the study of “suicide” gene therapy in cancer research. Upon expression of a viral suicide gene encoding herpes simplex virus, thymidine kinase (TK), the non-toxic prodrug ganciclovir, is converted to an active phosphorylated analog that can be incorporated into the DNA of replicating eukaryotic cells, causing death of the malignant dividing cell. Causes an irreversible cell cycle arrest at the G₂/M checkpoint. Has also been used to study the loss of telomeres and to evaluate sensitivity of viruses to antiviral agents.

Legal Information

CALBIOCHEM is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Other Notes

Aghi, M., et al. 2000. J. Gene Med.2, 148.Qiao, J., et al. 2000. Hum. Gene Ther.11, 1569.Cannon, J.S., et al. 1999. J. Virol.73, 4786.Rubsam, L.Z., et al. 1999. Cancer Res.59, 669.Sprung, C.N., et al. 1999. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA96, 6781.Yamasaki, H., et al. 1999. C.R. Acad. Sci. III322, 151.Halloran, P.J., and Fenton, R.G. 1998. Cancer Res.58, 3855.

Packaging

Packaged under inert gas

50 mg in Glass bottle

Reconstitution

Following reconstitution aliquot and freeze (-20°C). Stock solutions are stable for up to 6 months at -20°C.

Warning

Toxicity: Carcinogenic / Teratogenic (D)