Trimethoprim

Mode of Action

Trimethoprim inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, most efficaciously effecting the bacterial enzyme. Bacteria are unable to uptake folate appreciably from rich medium and so must synthesize it themselves. Addition of folate to the medium can counteract trimethoprim, however.

Sulfonilamide effects another step in folate metabolism and so exibits a synergistic effect when used with trimethoprim.

Resistance Gene

An alternative dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR) is the gene counteracting trimethoprim.

Transposon Mutagenesis

Epicentre provides a Tn5 transposon system containing the DHFR gene for random knockouts of genes in bacteria.

Working concentrations and stock solutions

Working concentrations are typically 10 μg/ml. Trimethoprim is essentially insoluble in water, but is soluble in DMSO (check the Merck index or Sigma Catalogue). Addition of the powder is also an option.