Hygromycin B

Hygromycin B is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used in molecular biology and biotechnology research.
It is derived from the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus and belongs to the aminoglycoside family of antibiotics.
Hygromycin B exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and higher eukaryotic cells, making it a valuable tool in various experimental applications.

Hygromycin B v.01

Hygromycin b

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Hygromycin B acts by inhibiting protein synthesis in cells.
It specifically targets the 70S ribosome, a crucial component involved in protein translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
The antibiotic binds to the A site of the ribosome, interfering with the elongation phase of protein synthesis.
This binding prevents the transfer of peptidyl-tRNA from the A site to the P site, ultimately leading to premature termination of protein synthesis and cell death.

One of the primary uses of hygromycin B is as a selection agent in molecular biology experiments.
The antibiotic is often incorporated into growth media to select for cells that have been genetically modified or transfected with a hygromycin resistance gene.
The presence of hygromycin B in the medium allows only the cells that have successfully integrated the resistance gene to survive and proliferate.
This property makes hygromycin B an essential tool in the generation of stable cell lines and the study of gene function.

Hygromycin B demonstrates potent antifungal and antibacterial activity, which has led to its use in combating infections caused by susceptible organisms.
It can be applied topically or administered systemically to treat infections caused by certain fungi and bacteria.
However, it is important to note that hygromycin B may not be effective against all types of microbial pathogens, and susceptibility testing should be conducted to determine its appropriateness for specific infections.

Although hygromycin B is widely used in laboratory settings, it is essential to handle the antibiotic with caution due to its potential toxicity.
Direct contact with hygromycin B can cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.
Inhalation or ingestion of the antibiotic may lead to more severe health effects.
It is crucial to follow appropriate safety guidelines, wear protective clothing and equipment, and work in a well-ventilated area when using hygromycin B.