Hydroxyurea

Readily oxidized in vivo to free radical forms, which destroy the stable tyrosyl free radical of the metalloenzyme ribonucleotide reductase, suppressing deoxyribonucleotide production and blocking DNA synthesis and repair.1,2 Reduces cell proliferation, and causes S-phase arrest and death.3 Induces p53-dependent NF-κB target gene expression in U2OS cells expressing HA-RelA.4 Stimulates fetal hemoglobin production in vitro and in vivo.5 Allows for S phase enrichment of CHO cells with maintenance of viability for enhanced site-specific genome engineering.6 Anticancer and antiviral agent.