Application

Hygromycin B is an aminoglycoside antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It has been used to study protein synthesis at the level of the 70S ribosome translocation and mRNA template misreading, as an antiviral agent by selectively penetrating cells rendered permeable by virus infection and inhibiting translation, and as a selection agent for hygromycin resistance gene transformed cells. It is recommended for use as a selection agent at 100-800 μg/mL, specifically at 100 μg/mL for prokaryotes, 200 μg/mL for lower eukaryotes and 150-400 μg/mL for higher eukaryotes. Hygromycin B from Streptomyces hygroscopicus is used for gene cloning and ectopic expression. It is also used in MS medium for the in vitro screening of transgenic plants.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Hygromycin B is used in mutagenesis or for selection of gene expression and complementation constructs in C. jejuni. It is also adopted as a marker in other approaches for manipulating, introducing or deleting DNA in C. elegans. It can be inactivated by Aminoglycoside 4-phosphotransferase-Ia (APH(4)-Ia)/Hygromycin B phosphotransferase (Hph) through phosphorylation. The amino function of this antibiotic may be involved in a general acid-base catalysis performed by the ribozyme, acting as proton acceptors/donors.

Mode of Action: The product acts by inhibiting protein synthesis by inducing the misreading of the m-RNA template in the prokaryote, with the potency to inhibit translation. Antimicrobial Spectrum: Hygromycin B acts against bacteria, fungi and higher eukaryotic cells.

Caution

Hygromycin B products should be stored as supplied at 2-8°C, and the dry solid is table for at least 5 years if stored at 2-8°C. It is stable at 37°C for 30 days. (For solutions) This solution is stable as supplied for two years if stored at 2-8°C.

General description

Hygromycin B is an antibiotic produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It is an aminoglycoside that kills bacteria, fungi and higher eukaryotic cells by inhibiting protein synthesis.

Chemical structure: aminoglycoside

Preparation Note

This product is purified by ion exchange chromatography. Hygromycin B is soluble in water at concentrations >50 mg/mL, and also soluble in methanol or ethanol. Solutions should be sterilized by filtration, not by autoclaving. Additionally, Hygromycin B solutions have been reported to lose activity on freezing, and since they are stable refrigerated, freezing should be avoided.