Blasticidin S

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Blasticidin-S is an antibiotic used to select transformed cells in genetic engineering. In short, DNA of interest is fused to DNA encoding a resistance gene, and then is transformed into cells. After allowing time for recovery and for cells to begin transcribing and translating their new DNA, blasticidin is added. Now only the cells that have the new DNA can grow.

[edit] Resistance Genes

Three resistance genes have been cloned

1) bls (an acetyl transferase) from Streptoverticillum sp. which itself produces blasticidin in a natural example of biological warfare

2) bsr (a Blasticidin-S deaminase) from Bacillus cereus (other bsr genes are known as well, see listings in Genbank)

3) BSD (another deaminase) from Aspergillus terreus

bsr and BSD are the most commonly used resistance genes.

[edit] Mechanism of Action

Blasticidin prevents the growth of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. It works by inhibiting peptide bond formation by the ribosome. This means that cells can no longer produce new proteins through translation of mRNA.