Methotrexate

- Overview
  - Methotrexate is a selective agent for dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)- transfected cells, and a nucleic acid synthesis inhibitor in protein expression systems, thus can be used as an ancillary material in upstream biomanufacturing applications. It also has immunosuppressive effects for rheumatoid arthritis research and has anti-cancer properties.
    Methotrexate is soluble in DMSO but practically insoluble in water.
    
    Please contact us at for specific academic pricing.
    
    Background
    
    In cancerous cells, Methotrexate acts as an allosteric inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), an enzyme involved in the folic acid metabolic pathway, catalyzing the conversion of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate. Since tetrahydrofolate is needed for synthesis of purine and thymidine synthesis, it results in the inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis.
- Properties
  - CAS Number
    
    59-05-2
    
    Molecular Formula
    
    C20H22N8O5
    
    Molecular Weight
    
    454.44
    
    Solubility
    
    Soluble in DMSO. Practically insoluble in water.
    
    Storage
    
    -20°C
    
    * For research use only
- Applications
  - Application Description
    
    Eukaryotic Cell Culture Applications: Methotrexate is commonly used in the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) selection system as a selection antibiotic to select for DHFR- deficient CHO cells that have been transfected with DHFR genes. Methotrexate inhibits the activity of DHFR; however, cells that overproduce DHFR can tolerate higher concentrations of Methotrexate. In most cases, overproducing DHFR cells produce more recombinant protein than lower DHFR producing cells.
    Mammalian cells used in biopharma manufacturing may exhibit toxicity to USP-grade Methotrexate, thus Methotrexate, EvoPure® is also available. EvoPure® products have been fully characterized by spectral analysis and are shipped with a comprehensive certificate of analysis containing lot-specific HPLC, MS, HNMR, and FTIR data.
    
    Cancer Applications: Methotrexate acts as a chemotherapeutic agent by inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis in cancer cells. In human glioblastoma U87MG cells (brain tumor), Methotrexate can be used as a carrier for PLGA (poly lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (Maleki et al, 2017).

Datasheet

MSDS

Methotrexate

Background

We Also Recommend

Methotrexate Sodium