Cycloheximide is a bacterial toxin used in laboratory experiments to control protein expression. It is produced by Streptomyces griseus and can disrupt protein biosynthesis in eukaryotic cells. It is not safe for living organisms due to its teratogenic effects. It can also be used as an antibiotic and to regulate plant growth. It is only intended for scientific research and workers must take precautions to limit exposure.
Cycloheximide is a bacterial toxin that interferes with the process of protein biosynthesis, something cells use to build proteins to perform various functions. Laboratory researchers use this compound in experiments where they need to control protein expression. It is available through scientific suppliers, who can provide it in various forms for different types of research. It is not safe for use in living organisms, as it is associated with birth defects and is known as a teratogen, a compound that can cause physical abnormalities. Technicians must be careful around it to reduce the risk of exposure.
In nature, the Streptomyces griseus bacterium produces this compound. Scientific supply companies can use several techniques to produce a very pure form and isolate it for sale to customers. It is often sold as a powder that technicians can rehydrate when ready to use. This is convenient for transport and storage, as the powders are lighter than liquids and can be sealed in the packaging to limit the risk of spillage in transit.
When cycloheximide enters a eukaryotic cell, one with complex structures such as organelles, it disrupts the protein biosynthesis process at the translation stage. This is the stage where messenger RNA (mRNA) with genetic information is decoded by the cell’s ribosome in order to build a protein. When the process is disrupted, the cell cannot build a protein or it can generate errors in the finished product.
Researchers can use cycloheximide in various experiments where they want to control protein production among cells growing in culture. It can also be useful as an antibiotic for various tissue grown in culture. Additionally, researchers can use it to regulate plant growth. Its uses are primarily laboratory due to the human and animal health risks associated with cycloheximide in nature; while it can be used as a fungicide, for example, teratogenic concerns tend to outweigh its potential applications as a fungal treatment.
Laboratory environments can exploit this and many other compounds for research purposes. They are provided for scientific research only and are not intended for use as a medicine in humans or animals. Other antibiotics are available to treat living organisms that may benefit from therapies that disrupt protein biosynthesis. Workers who encounter cycloheximide and similar chemicals typically wear appropriate protection to limit exposure and avoid unintentional contamination of their experiments.
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