Zeocin

Zeocin

Chemical structure of Phleomycin D1, a component of Zeocin

Zeocin is a glycopeptide antibiotic and antitumor agent that belongs to the bleomycin family of antibiotics. It is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces verticillus and is used in molecular biology as a selective agent for gene expression studies.

Structure and Composition

Zeocin is a complex of structurally related compounds, primarily consisting of phleomycins. The active component, Phleomycin D1, is a copper-containing glycopeptide that binds to and cleaves DNA. This action is facilitated by the presence of oxygen and metal ions, which are essential for its DNA cleavage activity.

Mechanism of Action

Zeocin exerts its effects by binding to DNA and causing double-strand breaks. This leads to cell death in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The DNA cleavage activity of Zeocin is dependent on the presence of copper ions, which are coordinated by the antibiotic to generate reactive oxygen species that attack the DNA backbone.

Applications in Molecular Biology

In molecular biology, Zeocin is widely used as a selective agent in cell culture systems. It is particularly useful in the selection of transgenic cells that have been engineered to express a Zeocin resistance gene, such as the Sh ble gene from Streptoalloteichus hindustanus. This gene encodes a protein that binds to Zeocin and inactivates it, allowing for the survival of transformed cells.

Safety and Handling

Zeocin is a potent cytotoxic agent and should be handled with care in the laboratory. Appropriate safety precautions include the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, lab coats, and eye protection. It should be stored at low temperatures to maintain its stability and activity.

Related Pages

• Bleomycin
• Antibiotic
• DNA damage
• Gene expression
• Transgenic organism