N-Nitroso-N-methylurea
Based on 21 publication(s) in Google Scholar
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU;MNU;NMH) is a potent carcinogen, mutagen and teratogenand. N-Nitroso-N-methylurea is a direct-acting alkylating agent that interacts with DNA. N-Nitroso-N-methylurea targets multiple animal organs to cause various cancer and/or degenerative disease. N-Nitroso-N-methylurea is also a precursor in the synthesis of diazomethane.
For research use only. We do not sell to patients.
- Purity: 99.74%
- CAS No.: 684-93-5
- Formula: C2H5N3O2
- Molecular Weight:103.08
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Storage:
-20°C, protect from light, stored under nitrogen
* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light, stored under nitrogen)
To place orders, for customer services and technical support, please contact: MedChemExpress USA
Tel: 609-228-6898 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
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Biological Activity
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Chemical Information
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Solvent & Solubility
- Purity & Documentation
- References
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Help & FAQs
Publications Citing Use of MedChemExpress (MCE) N-Nitroso-N-methylurea
More- Cancer Cell. 2024 Sep 26:S1535-6108(24)00350-7. [Abstract]
- Gut. 2026 Jan 2:gutjnl-2025-336966. [Abstract]
- Adv Sci (Weinh). 2023 Nov;10(32):e2301977. [Abstract]
- Cell Commun Signal. 2025 Jun 4;23(1):267. [Abstract]
- Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026 Feb 10;123(6):e2501052123. [Abstract]
- Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Nov 25;122(47):e2509312122. [Abstract]
- J Ethnopharmacol. 2023 Feb 10;302(Pt A):115885. [Abstract]
- Cells. 2024 Dec 23;13(24):2134. [Abstract]
- Nutrients. 2026 Apr 3;18(7):1150. [Abstract]
- Int Immunopharmacol. 2023 Sep 10;124(Pt A):110902. [Abstract]
- Int Immunopharmacol. 2023 Sep:122:110641. [Abstract]
- Stem Cells. 2024 Feb 8;42(2):158-171. [Abstract]
- J Drug Target. 2025 Jan 3:1-28. [Abstract]
- Helicobacter. 2024 Jul-Aug;29(4):e13109. [Abstract]
- Microb Pathog. 2023 Nov:184:106388. [Abstract]
- J Biomed Res. 2026 May 25:1-20. [Abstract]
- Exp Eye Res. 2024 Sep 18:110103. [Abstract]
- Mol Cell Biol. 2021 Aug 24;41(9):e0030321. [Abstract]
- SSRN. 2025 Nov 17.
- Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Aug 7:178:117268. [Abstract]
- SSRN. 2023 Nov 7.
Customer Validation & Images
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IHC
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RT-PCR
Biological Activity
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Cell Line
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Type | Value | Description | References |
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| HeLa S3 | IC50 |
>100 μM
Compound: MNU
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Cytotoxicity against human HeLaS3 cells assessed as cell viability after 24 to 72 hrs by MTT assay
Cytotoxicity against human HeLaS3 cells assessed as cell viability after 24 to 72 hrs by MTT assay
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[PMID: 24863982] |
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU; 5 μM) treatment increases the cellular NF-κB activity in human malignant keratinocytes. N-Nitroso-N-methylurea also increases the amount of I-κBα phosphorylation[5].
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
Please do not refer to only one article to determine the experimental conditions. It is recommended to determine the optimal experimental conditions (animal strain, age, dosage, frequency and cycle, detection time and indicators, etc.) through preliminary experiments before the formal experiment.
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea can be used in animal modeling to construct rat tumor models.
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU) gives intravenously to rats at age 50 days induced mammary carcinomas in 89% of BUF/N, 73% of Sprague-Dawley, and 89% of F344 females. Latent periods are, respectively, 77, 86, and 94 days. Doubling times of NMU-induced primary and transplanted carcinomas are similar to 7 days. Cachexia ensues at the 5th week from the onset of the first tumor. When the tumor is larger than 15 g, hypercalcemia is usually observed[1].
N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) can be used to create models of gastric cancer and breast cancer[6][7].
Administration: 100 mg/kg • ig • thrice in a week for 16 weeks
(2) The level of cancer induction was identified by specific biochemical markers such as serum gastrin level, TBARS, and glutathione followed by histopathological analysis at two-time periods for 8 and 16 week.
Molecular changes: increased the mean serum gastrin level, increased level of lipid peroxidation and decreased reduced glutathione level in gastric tissues.
Tissue changes: MNU-induced rats disclosed that the non-glandular stomach epithelium was hypertrophic with vacuolations and orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis after 16 wk of MNU induction but vacuolations and hyperkeartosis were not that much observed at 8 wk of MNU induction.
Gene Mutations: Due to the aforementioned DNA damage not being effectively repaired, errors may occur when cells replicate DNA, resulting in gene mutations. These mutations can affect key processes such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis signaling pathways, and DNA repair mechanisms, thereby promoting tumor initiation and progression.
Uncontrolled Cell Proliferation: Gene mutations induced by MNU can activate oncogenes or inactivate tumor suppressor genes, disrupting normal cell growth control mechanisms. This results in cells losing their responsiveness to external growth inhibitory signals, leading to abnormal proliferation.
Pro-inflammatory Environment: Research has shown that MNU may also promote tumor development by altering the local microenvironment, such as increasing the expression of inflammatory factors. A chronic inflammatory state is considered an important factor in tumor development, as it can promote angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and other processes that favor cancer progression.
Administration: 50 mg/kg • ip • at 50, 65, and 80 days of age
Tissue changes: observed breast tumors, and increased the mean volumes of tumors.
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
Chemical Information
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CAS No. 684-93-5
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Appearance Solid
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Molecular Weight 103.08
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Formula C2H5N3O2
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Color White to yellow
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SMILES
O=C(N)N(C)N=O
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Shipping
Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
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Storage
-20°C, protect from light, stored under nitrogen
* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light, stored under nitrogen)
Publications (21)
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Journal Impact Factor
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Most Recent
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Cancer Cell
2024 Sep 26:S1535-6108(24)00350-7. PMID: 39366375 -
Gut
2026 Jan 2:gutjnl-2025-336966. PMID: 41482458 -
Adv Sci (Weinh)
Loss of ATOH1 in Pit Cell Drives Stemness and Progression of Gastric Adenocarcinoma by Activating AKT/mTOR Signaling through GAS1. [Abstract]2023 Nov;10(32):e2301977. PMID: 37824217 -
Cell Commun Signal
Trem2 regulates microglial migratory responses via type I interferon signaling during photoreceptor degeneration. [Abstract]2025 Jun 4;23(1):267. PMID: 40468324
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Commun Signal. 2025 Jun 4;23(1):267. [Abstract]
Representative images of TUNEL and IBA1 co-staining in Vehicle+IgG control, Tamoxifen+IgG control and Tamoxifen+ IFN-I blockade group with (1 day and 3 days after MNU administration, 60 mg/kg, BW, ip) and without MNU treatment.
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Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Evaluation of targeted and immune combination therapies in a rat model of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. [Abstract]2026 Feb 10;123(6):e2501052123. PMID: 41642991 -
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Glutathionylated DNA adducts accumulate in mitochondrial DNA and are regulated by AP endonuclease 1 and tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1. [Abstract]2025 Nov 25;122(47):e2509312122. PMID: 41259143
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Nov 25;122(47):e2509312122. [Abstract]
Quantification of GSH-DNA adducts in WT HEK293A, HEK293A TDP1 KO,and HEK293A APE1 KO cells under 1 mM N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (MNU) treatment for 8 h or 0.1% DMSO vehicle control (VC).
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J Ethnopharmacol
Gallic acid alleviates gastric precancerous lesions through inhibition of epithelial mesenchymal transition via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. [Abstract]2023 Feb 10;302(Pt A):115885. PMID: 36328204 -
Cells
Evaluation of Genotoxic Effects of N-Methyl-N-Nitroso-Urea and Etoposide on the Differentiation Potential of MSCs from Umbilical Cord Blood and Bone Marrow. [Abstract]2024 Dec 23;13(24):2134. PMID: 39768222 -
Nutrients
Cocoa Powder Modulates HIF-1α Stability and Inhibits Ocular Angiogenic and Degenerative Pathology. [Abstract]2026 Apr 3;18(7):1150. PMID: 41978200 -
Int Immunopharmacol
Tanshinone I attenuates gastric precancerous lesions by inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition through the p38/STAT3 pathway. [Abstract]2023 Sep 10;124(Pt A):110902. PMID: 37699302 -
Int Immunopharmacol
GPER governs the immune infiltration of gastric cancer and activates the NF-κB/ROS/Apoptosis pathway in gastric mucosal epithelium. [Abstract]2023 Sep:122:110641. PMID: 37487261 -
Stem Cells
DNA damage response after treatment of cycling and quiescent cord blood hematopoietic stem cells with distinct genotoxic noxae. [Abstract]2024 Feb 8;42(2):158-171. PMID: 37962865 -
J Drug Target
Enhanced pharmacokinetic approach for anastrozole via macromolecule-based silk fibroin nanoparticles incorporated in situ injectables for oestrogen-positive breast cancer therapy. [Abstract]2025 Jan 3:1-28. PMID: 39754343 -
Helicobacter
Integrin-Linked Kinase in the Development of Gastric Tumors Induced by Helicobacter pylori: Regulation and Prevention Potential. [Abstract]2024 Jul-Aug;29(4):e13109. PMID: 38951739 -
Microb Pathog
Chloroquine inhibited Helicobacter pylori-related gastric carcinogenesis by YAP-β-catenin-autophagy axis. [Abstract]2023 Nov:184:106388. PMID: 37832834 -
J Biomed Res
Helicobacter pylori-induced ADAMDEC1 overexpression in M2 macrophages drives preneoplastic progression in the gastric mucosa. [Abstract]2026 May 25:1-20. PMID: 42199054 -
Exp Eye Res
Estrogen, via ESR2 receptor, prevents oxidative stress-induced Müller cell death and stimulates FGF2 production independently of NRF2, attenuating retinal degeneration. [Abstract]2024 Sep 18:110103. PMID: 39303841 -
Mol Cell Biol
FANCD2-Associated Nuclease 1 Partially Compensates for the Lack of Exonuclease 1 in Mismatch Repair. [Abstract]2021 Aug 24;41(9):e0030321. PMID: 34228493 -
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Biomed Pharmacother
Panax notoginseng saponins dually modulates autophagy in gastric precancerous lesions complicated with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury model through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. [Abstract]2024 Aug 7:178:117268. PMID: 39116780 -
Solvent & Solubility
DMSO : 125 mg/mL (1212.65 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light, stored under nitrogen). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light, stored under nitrogen). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)
Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.
- For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
- To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for In Vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
- The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline
Solubility: ≥ 2.08 mg/mL (20.18 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.08 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (20.8 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)
Solubility: ≥ 2.08 mg/mL (20.18 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.08 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (20.8 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.
Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:
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Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
Please enter your animal formula composition:
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%DMSO +
Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
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%+
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+%Tween-80 + +
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%Saline +
The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).
Working solution concentration: 0.22 mg/mL
Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL DMSO. Stock solution concentration: mg/mL. * In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light, stored under nitrogen)
1. Take μL DMSO stock solution;
2. Add μL .
μL , mix evenly;
3. Then add μL Tween 80, mix evenly;
4. Then add μL
Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.
Purity & Documentation
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Data Sheet (283 KB)
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SDS (796 KB)
- English - EN (796 KB)
- Français - FR (796 KB)
- Deutsch - DE (796 KB)
- Norwegian - NO (796 KB)
- Español - ES (796 KB)
- Swedish - SV (796 KB)
- Italian - IT (796 KB)
- Korean - KR (796 KB)
- Portuguese - PT (796 KB)
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Handling Instructions (2659 KB)
References
[1]. Gullino PM, et al. N-nitrosomethylurea as mammary gland carcinogen in rats. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1975 Feb;54(2):401-14. [Content Brief]
[2]. Tsubura A, et al. Review: Animal models of N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary cancer and retinal degeneration with special emphasis on therapeutic trials. In Vivo. 2011 Jan-Feb;25(1):11-22. [Content Brief]
[3]. Johnson EM, et al. Effects of N-nitroso-N-methylurea on enzymatic ontogeny associated with teratogenesis. Teratology. 1968 May;1(2):179-91. [Content Brief]
[5]. Moon KY. N-nitroso-N-methylurea and N-nitroso-N-ethylurea induce upregulation of cellular NF-kappa B activity through protein kinase C-dependent pathway in human malignant keratinocytes. Arch Pharm Res. 2010 Jan;33(1):133-9. [Content Brief]
[6]. Mansingh DP, et al. Palliative Role of Aqueous Ginger Extract on N-Nitroso-N-Methylurea-Induced Gastric Cancer. Nutr Cancer. 2020;72(1):157-169. [Content Brief]
[7]. Ashrafi M, et al. Effect of Crocin on Cell Cycle Regulators in N-Nitroso-N-Methylurea-Induced Breast Cancer in Rats. DNA Cell Biol. 2015 Nov;34(11):684-91. [Content Brief]
Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light, stored under nitrogen). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
| Optional Solvent | Concentration Solvent Mass | 1 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg | 25 mg |
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| DMSO | 1 mM | 9.7012 mL | 48.5060 mL | 97.0120 mL | 242.5301 mL |
| 5 mM | 1.9402 mL | 9.7012 mL | 19.4024 mL | 48.5060 mL | |
| 10 mM | 0.9701 mL | 4.8506 mL | 9.7012 mL | 24.2530 mL | |
| 15 mM | 0.6467 mL | 3.2337 mL | 6.4675 mL | 16.1687 mL | |
| 20 mM | 0.4851 mL | 2.4253 mL | 4.8506 mL | 12.1265 mL | |
| 25 mM | 0.3880 mL | 1.9402 mL | 3.8805 mL | 9.7012 mL | |
| 30 mM | 0.3234 mL | 1.6169 mL | 3.2337 mL | 8.0843 mL | |
| 40 mM | 0.2425 mL | 1.2127 mL | 2.4253 mL | 6.0633 mL | |
| 50 mM | 0.1940 mL | 0.9701 mL | 1.9402 mL | 4.8506 mL | |
| 60 mM | 0.1617 mL | 0.8084 mL | 1.6169 mL | 4.0422 mL | |
| 80 mM | 0.1213 mL | 0.6063 mL | 1.2127 mL | 3.0316 mL | |
| 100 mM | 0.0970 mL | 0.4851 mL | 0.9701 mL | 2.4253 mL |
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea Related Classifications
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