2′-Deoxycytidine: Properties, Uses & Lab FAQs

2′-Deoxycytidine is a naturally occurring pyrimidine deoxyribonucleoside composed of cytosine linked to 2′-deoxyribose, serving as a fundamental building block of DNA and a versatile reagent in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology research.

Chemical Name

2′-Deoxycytidine

Molecular Formula

C₉H₁₃N₃O₄

Molecular Weight

227.22 g/mol

CAS Number

951-77-9

Appearance

White to off-white crystalline powder

Storage Condition

Store at 2–8 °C, protected from light and moisture

SKU

D104773

What Is 2′-Deoxycytidine?

2′-Deoxycytidine (dC) is a naturally occurring pyrimidine nucleoside in which the nucleobase cytosine is attached to a 2′-deoxyribose sugar via an N-glycosidic bond. It is one of the four canonical deoxyribonucleosides required for DNA biosynthesis. In its phosphorylated forms—deoxycytidine monophosphate (dCMP), diphosphate (dCDP), and triphosphate (dCTP)—it participates directly in DNA replication and repair as a substrate for DNA polymerases.

Beyond its endogenous biological role, 2′-Deoxycytidine is widely used as a research-grade reagent in applications ranging from nucleotide synthesis and enzyme assays to cell synchronization protocols. Its molecular formula is C₉H₁₃N₃O₄ with a molecular weight of 227.22 g/mol (CAS 951-77-9).

Solubility and Preparation of Stock Solutions

2′-Deoxycytidine is soluble in water at room temperature. It is generally recommended to prepare stock solutions in sterile distilled water or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at concentrations appropriate for the intended assay. For cell culture applications, the solution should be sterile-filtered through a 0.22 µm membrane before use.

Solubility in organic solvents such as DMSO is limited; aqueous preparation is strongly preferred to avoid cytotoxicity and compatibility issues in biological assays. Once dissolved, stock solutions should be aliquoted and stored at −20 °C to minimize freeze-thaw degradation. Avoid prolonged exposure to light, as nucleosides can be photosensitive.

Key Research Applications

Cell Synchronization: One of the most prominent laboratory uses of 2′-Deoxycytidine is in double-thymidine or thymidine/deoxycytidine block protocols to synchronize cells at the G1/S boundary. This allows researchers to study cell-cycle-dependent events with a uniform cell population.

Nucleotide Metabolism Studies: 2′-Deoxycytidine serves as a substrate or inhibitor reference compound in kinetic studies of enzymes involved in the pyrimidine salvage pathway, including deoxycytidine kinase (dCK).

Epigenetics Research: As the precursor nucleoside to cytosine methylation substrates, 2′-Deoxycytidine is used in studies investigating DNA methylation, demethylation dynamics, and the activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs).

Nucleoside Analog Benchmarking: It is commonly used as the natural reference standard when evaluating the activity and selectivity of cytidine-based antiviral or anticancer nucleoside analogs.

Storage, Stability and Handling

Store 2′-Deoxycytidine as a solid at 2–8 °C in a tightly sealed container, protected from light and moisture. Under these conditions the compound is stable for at least two years from the date of manufacture when handled properly. Do not store dissolved stock solutions at 4 °C for extended periods; instead, freeze aliquots at −20 °C.

Standard laboratory PPE (lab coat, gloves, eye protection) is recommended during handling. Although 2′-Deoxycytidine is not classified as a hazardous substance under typical regulatory frameworks, good laboratory practice should always be followed. Consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed hazard information before use.

Quality, Purity and Regulatory Considerations

Aladdin Scientific's 2′-Deoxycytidine (SKU: D104773) is offered as a research-grade reagent intended for in vitro laboratory use only, not for diagnostic, therapeutic, or food applications. Purity is typically assessed by HPLC; customers are encouraged to request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the specific lot number at the time of purchase.

Researchers requiring higher-specification material (e.g., pharmaceutical reference standard grade) should contact Aladdin Scientific's technical support team to discuss available options. All products are subject to Aladdin Scientific's standard quality control procedures. For regulatory filings or GMP applications, separate documentation may be required.

Frequently asked questions

What is the recommended solvent for dissolving 2′-Deoxycytidine?

Aqueous solvents are preferred. 2′-Deoxycytidine dissolves readily in sterile distilled water or PBS, making these the recommended choices for cell culture and biochemical assays. DMSO solubility is limited and may introduce cytotoxicity concerns; aqueous preparation is strongly advised.

How should 2′-Deoxycytidine stock solutions be stored after preparation?

Once dissolved, stock solutions should be divided into single-use aliquots and stored at −20 °C to prevent degradation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Solutions should be protected from light and used within a reasonable period; avoid long-term storage at 4 °C, as this may compromise stability.

Can 2′-Deoxycytidine be used for cell synchronization experiments?

Yes. 2′-Deoxycytidine is used in cell synchronization protocols, often in combination with thymidine, to arrest cells at the G1/S boundary. This approach provides a synchronized cell population for studying cell-cycle-dependent processes. Researchers should optimize concentration and treatment duration for their specific cell line.

What purity grade is Aladdin Scientific's 2′-Deoxycytidine (D104773)?

D104773 is a research-grade reagent with purity assessed by HPLC. For exact purity values and lot-specific quality data, customers should request the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for their specific lot number from Aladdin Scientific at the time of purchase.

Is 2′-Deoxycytidine stable under standard laboratory conditions?

As a solid stored at 2–8 °C in a sealed, light-protected container, 2′-Deoxycytidine is stable for at least two years from the manufacture date under proper handling conditions. Aqueous solutions are less stable and should be frozen and protected from light to preserve integrity.

What are the main biological roles of 2′-Deoxycytidine in cells?

2′-Deoxycytidine is a fundamental building block of DNA. Inside cells it is phosphorylated to dCTP, which is incorporated opposite guanine during DNA replication and repair. It also plays a role in the pyrimidine salvage pathway and is the precursor nucleoside relevant to cytosine methylation events in epigenetic regulation.

References

1. Alberts B, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 6th ed. Garland Science; 2014. Chapter on DNA Replication, Repair, and Recombination.
2. Stryer L, Berg JM, Tymoczko JL. Biochemistry. 8th ed. W.H. Freeman; 2015. Chapter on Nucleotide Metabolism.
3. Aladdin Scientific. Certificate of Analysis, 2′-Deoxycytidine, SKU D104773. [Internal document; available on request].

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.