This vector also contains the neomycin phosphotransferase
gene, a selectable marker for mammalian cells. The pTARGET™ Vector can be
used for transient expression or for stable expression by selecting transfected cells
with the antibiotic G-418.
Expression of the neomycin phosphotransferase gene in mammalian cells con-fers resistance to the antibiotic G-418 (29). G-418 is an aminoglycoside antibiotic
produced by Streptomyces, which induces cytotoxicity by blocking translation.
Neomycin phosphotransferase inactivates G-418 through phosphorylation,
thereby blocking its toxic effects