L-Methionine sulfoximine
L-Methionine sulfoximine (CAS: 15985-39-4) is a chemical compound with the molecular formula CH3S(O)(=NH)CH2CH2CH(NH2)CO2H and a molecular weight of 180.23 g/mol. It functions as a potent inhibitor of glutamine synthetase activity. This reagent is widely employed in biotechnological applications as a selection agent for the stable integration of plasmids in mammalian cell lines, particularly Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, facilitating the development of cell banks for recombinant protein production.
- IUPAC
- L-S-(3-Amino-3-carboxypropyl)-S-methylsulfoximine

Mammalian Cell Line Selection
L-Methionine sulfoximine serves as an effective selection agent in mammalian cell culture. It is used to select for cells that have stably integrated plasmids, which is crucial for developing high-yield cell lines for biopharmaceutical production.
Recombinant Protein Production
This compound aids in the development of cell banks for producing recombinant proteins. By selecting for cells overexpressing glutamine synthetase, it facilitates the generation of stable, high-producing cell lines, offering advantages over other selection systems.
Biotechnology Research Tool
As an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, L-Methionine sulfoximine is a valuable tool in cell biology research, particularly for studies involving cell signaling, neuroscience, and neurotransmission.
| Molecular weight | 180.23 |
|---|---|
| Linear formula | CH3S(O)(=NH)CH2CH2CH(NH2)CO2H |
| Assay | ≥96% (rel., HPLC)95-102% (w/w) (HPLC) |
| Optical activity | [α]20/D +10.8 to +14.0°, c = 1 in H2O |
| Impurities tested | ≤0.1% each single unknown impurity(rel.)≤0.5% sulfated ash≤0.5% water (Karl Fischer)≤1% methionine sulfone(rel.)≤1% methionine sulfoxide(rel.)≤10 mg/kg azide≤2% methionine(rel.)≤20 ppm heavy metalls≤5000 ppm ethanol (GC-HS) |
| Application | As a potent inhibitor of glutamine sythetase activity, this reagent has widely been used as a selection agent for plasmid integration in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and other mammalian cell lines. The growing demand for high yield cell banks for production of recombinant proteins for therapeutics has resulted in two major systems for selection of stable and active clones, Methotrexate selection of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) overexpressing cells and MSX selection of glutamine synthetase overexpressing cells. Cells are grown in the absence of glutamine in the media and inhibition of the endogenous activity of glutamine synthease results in cell death for cells lacking overexpression. The MSX-glutamine synthase selection mechanism provides benefits over that of the Methotrexate-DHFR system in that it typically requires a single amplification step and results in significant reduction of time to produce high stability, highly amplified clones. |
| Suitability | complies for H-NMRcomplies for identity (HPLC) |
| Melting point | >210 °C (dec.)(lit.) |

Hazard statements
- H315Causes skin irritation
- H319Causes serious eye irritation
- H335May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary statements
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas or vapours
- P305IF IN EYES
| Protective equipment | dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves |
|---|---|
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 3 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | Xi |
| Risk statements (R) | 36/37/38 |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-36 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
| Quality Level | PREMIUM |
|---|
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is L-Methionine sulfoximine used for?
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L-Methionine sulfoximine is primarily used as a selection agent for plasmid integration in mammalian cell lines, such as CHO cells, to develop stable cell banks for recombinant protein production. It acts as a potent inhibitor of glutamine synthetase activity.
What is the CAS number and chemical formula for L-Methionine sulfoximine?
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The CAS number for L-Methionine sulfoximine is 15985-39-4, and its linear chemical formula is CH3S(O)(=NH)CH2CH2CH(NH2)CO2H.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
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Tech Serve Solutions supplies L-Methionine sulfoximine at a PREMIUM quality level with an assay of ≥96% (relative, HPLC) or 95-102% (w/w) (HPLC). We do not represent this product as USP, BP, EP, or pharmacopoeia grade.
What are the safety considerations when handling L-Methionine sulfoximine?
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L-Methionine sulfoximine is classified as a Warning substance (GHS07) and may cause skin irritation (H315), serious eye irritation (H319), and respiratory irritation (H335). It is recommended to use a dust mask type N95 (US), eyeshields, and gloves when handling. Ensure adequate ventilation.
How is L-Methionine sulfoximine typically packed, shipped, and exported?
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Tech Serve Solutions, as a specialist global supplier and exporter, ensures L-Methionine sulfoximine is packed, shipped, and exported in compliance with all relevant regulations for fine chemicals and laboratory reagents.
How can I request a quote or sample of L-Methionine sulfoximine?
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To request a quote or a sample of L-Methionine sulfoximine, please contact our sales department through the TSS website or by calling our dedicated customer service line.
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