Suicide Genes code for enzymes that convert non-toxic compounds (prodrugs) into toxic products. Among more than 30 suicide genes described, the most potent and widely used are the genes encoding for thymidine kinases and cytosine deaminases. The herpes-simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene is a prototype 'suicide gene' because it encodes a viral enzyme that is foreign to mammalian cells, which will phosphorylate nucleoside analogs, such as acyclovir and ganciclovir (GCV), to their monophosphate metabolites. After integration of the GCV metabolites into DNA, chain termination occurs, followed by cell death. Cytosine deaminase (CD) is an enzyme found in prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes but absent in higher eukaryotes. It converts cytosine and its analogue, 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), to uracil and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) respectively. 5-FU is a toxic compound commonly used as anticancer drug. Cells expressing CD gene will be induced to apoptosis when exposed to 5-fluocytosine (5-FC). For efficient gene delivery of HSVtk and CD to any cell type, scientists at abm have successfuly subcloned both HSVtk and CD into lentiviral vectors with a simultaneously expressed GFP reporter driven by an IRES element for monitoring suicidal gene expression. Both genes are provided in both vector and viral particle format for immediate application to your ongoing research project.
Manufacturer
ABM (Applied Biological Materials)
Product Link
LV047
Storage
-20°C
Shipping
Ambient Temperature