Chemical Properties
white to light yellow fine crystalline powder
Uses
6-Azauracil (6-AU) is used as a growth inhibitor of various microorganisms via depletion of intracellular GTP and UTP nucleotide pools. 6-Azauracil has been widely used in investigations on modulation of transcription, especially in yeast models.
Definition
ChEBI: 6-azauracil is a 1,2,4-triazine compound having oxo-substituents at the 3- and 5-positions. It has a role as an antimetabolite. It is a member of 1,2,4-triazines and a nucleobase analogue.
Synthesis Reference(s)
The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 23, p. 1522, 1958
DOI: 10.1021/jo01104a033
Biochem/physiol Actions
6-Azauracil (6-AU) is a pyrimidine analog of uracil and exhibits antitumor activity. It inhibits the growth of various microorganisms by depleting intracellular guanosine triphosphate (GTP)?and uridine?triphosphate (UTP) nucleotide pools.
Safety Profile
Poison by
intraperitoneal route. Experimental
reproductive effects. Questionable
carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic
data. Mutation data reported. When heated
to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of
NOx.
Mode of action
6-Azauracil is a growth inhibitor effective on a variety of microorganisms. It functions by depleting the intracellular GTP and UTP nucleotide supply. Mutations in transcriptional elongation machinery, as well as mutations in a variety of other pathways, exaggerate the growth defect of cells in the presence of 6 AU.
