Streptozotocin (STZ)

Description: Streptozotocin (also known as NSC-85998, STZ, Streptozotocin; U 9889) is a glucosamine-nitrosourea derivative and a potent DNA-methylating agent with IC50s of 11.7, 904 and 1024 ug/mL in HL60, K562 and C1498 cells respectively. Streptozotocin is a methylating, carcinogenic, antibiotic and diabetes inducing agent. Streptozocin is a methylnitrosourea antineoplastic antibiotic isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces achromogenes. Streptozocin alkylates DNA, forming inter-strand DNA cross-links and inhibiting DNA synthesis. Due to its glucose moiety, this agent is readily taken up by pancreatic beta cells, inducing diabetes mellitus at high concentrations.

References: Mutat Res. 2002; 512:121-34; Biochem Mol Biol Int. 1996; 39(6):1229-36; Diabetes. 1967; 16(1):51-6.