N-Nitroso-N-methylurea

N-Nitroso-N-methylurea

N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU) is a highly potent carcinogen widely used in biochemical research. It is a derivative of urea, with a nitroso group and a methyl group replacing two hydrogen atoms.

Chemical Properties

NMU is a yellow, crystalline solid with a melting point of 89-92°C. It is soluble in water and most organic solvents. It is highly reactive, decomposing in the presence of light, heat, or strong acids to release nitric oxide and methylamine.

Biological Effects

NMU is a potent carcinogen, capable of inducing tumors in a variety of tissues in many species. It acts by alkylating DNA, leading to the formation of O6-methylguanine lesions, which can cause mutations if not repaired by the DNA repair machinery of the cell.

Use in Research

NMU is widely used in biochemical research to induce tumors in experimental animals, particularly rats and mice. It is often used in studies of carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, and DNA repair.

Safety

Due to its high carcinogenic potency, NMU must be handled with extreme care. It is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning it is known to cause cancer in humans.

See Also

• Carcinogen
• Mutagen
• DNA repair