Methotrexate Sodium

- Overview
  - Methotrexate Sodium is a selective agent for dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)- transfected cells and a nucleic acid synthesis inhibitor in protein expression systems. It is commonly used as an ancillary material in upstream biomanufacturing applications. It also has immunosuppressive effects for rheumatoid arthritis research and has anti-cancer properties. Methotrexate sodium is freely soluble in aqueous solution.
    
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    Background
    
    Methotrexate acts as an allosteric inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), an enzyme involved in the folic acid metabolic pathway. Folic acid is essential in cells because it is required for thymidine and purine synthesis. Methotrexate therefore acts as a nucleic acid synthesis inhibitor.
- Properties
  - CAS Number
    
    7413-34-5
    
    Molecular Formula
    
    C20H20N8Na2O5
    
    Molecular Weight
    
    498.40
    
    Appearance
    
    Yellow powder
    
    Solubility
    
    Soluble in water
    
    Other Properties
    
    Source: Synthetic
    Purity Level: (HPLC, As Is): ≥98.0%
    
    Storage
    
    2-8 °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 cells (ie CHO) 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 products. Methotrexate, EvoPure® has been purified to remove toxic impurities. If you have unique specifications for your system, please contact us.
    
    Cancer Applications: Methotrexate Sodium acts as a chemotherapeutic agent by inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis in cancer cells.
    
    Insect Biology Applications: Methotrexate is effective for pyrimethamine-resistant Plasmodium vivax malaria parasites.