DNA sequence context modulates the impact of a cisplatin 1,2-d(GpG) intrastrand cross-link on the conformational and thermodynamic properties of duplex DNA

Processing and Bypass of a Site-Specific DNA Adduct of the Cytotoxic Platinum-Acridinylthiourea Conjugate by Polymerases Involved in DNA Repair: Biochemical and Thermodynamic Aspects

DNA-dependent DNA and RNA polymerases are important modulators of biological functions such as replication, transcription, recombination, or repair. In this work performed in cell-free media, we studied the ability of selected DNA polymerases to overcome a monofunctional adduct of the cytotoxic/antitumor platinum–acridinylthiourea conjugate [PtCl(en)(L)](NO₃)₂ (en = ethane-1,2-diamine, L = 1-[2-(acridin-9-ylamino)ethyl]-1,3-dimethylthiourea) (ACR) in its favored 5′-CG sequence. We focused on how a single site-specific ACR adduct with intercalation potency affects the processivity and fidelity of DNA-dependent DNA polymerases involved in translesion synthesis (TLS) and repair. The ability of the G(N7) hybrid ACR adduct formed in the 5′-TCGT sequence of a 24-mer DNA template to inhibit the synthesis of a complementary DNA strand by the exonuclease-deficient Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I (KF^exo−) and human polymerases eta, kappa, and iota was supplemented by thermodynamic analysis of the polymerization process. Thermodynamic parameters of a simulated translesion synthesis across the ACR adduct were obtained by using microscale thermophoresis (MST). Our results show a strong inhibitory effect of an ACR adduct on enzymatic TLS: there was only small synthesis of a full-length product (less than 10%) except polymerase eta (~20%). Polymerase eta was able to most efficiently bypass the ACR hybrid adduct. Incorporation of a correct dCMP opposite the modified G residue is preferred by all the four polymerases tested. On the other hand, the frequency of misinsertions increased. The relative efficiency of misinsertions is higher than that of matched cytidine monophosphate but still lower than for the nonmodified control duplex. Thermodynamic inspection of the simulated TLS revealed a significant stabilization of successively extended primer/template duplexes containing an ACR adduct. Moreover, no significant decrease of dissociation enthalpy change behind the position of the modification can contribute to the enzymatic TLS observed with the DNA-dependent, repair-involved polymerases. This TLS could lead to a higher tolerance of cancer cells to the ACR conjugate compared to its enhanced analog, where thiourea is replaced by an amidine group: [PtCl(en)(L)](NO₃)₂ (complex AMD, en = ethane-1,2-diamine, L = N-[2-(acridin-9-ylamino)ethyl]-N-methylpropionamidine).

Translesion DNA synthesis across double-base lesions derived from cross-links of an antitumor trinuclear platinum compound: primer extension, conformational and thermodynamic studies

Polynuclear platinum complexes represent a unique structural class of DNA-binding agents of biological significance. They contain at least two platinum coordinating units bridged by a linker, which means that the formation of double-base lesions (cross-links) in DNA is possible. Here, we show that the lead compound, bifunctional [{trans-PtCl(NH₃)₂}₂μ-trans-Pt(NH₃)₂{H₂N(CH₂)₆NH₂}₂]⁴⁺ (Triplatin or BBR3464), forms in DNA specific double-base lesions which affect the biophysical and biochemical properties of DNA in a way fundamentally different compared to the analogous double-base lesions formed by two adducts of monofunctional chlorodiethylenetriamineplatinum(ii) chloride (dienPt). We find concomitantly that translesion DNA synthesis by the model A-family polymerase, the exonuclease deficient Klenow fragment, across the double-base lesions derived from the intrastrand CLs of Triplatin was markedly less extensive than that across the two analogous monofunctional adducts of dienPt. Collectively, these data provide convincing support for the hypothesis that the central noncovalent tetraamine platinum linker of Triplatin, capable of hydrogen-bonding and electrostatic interactions with DNA and bridging the two platinum adducts, represents an important factor responsible for the markedly lowered tolerance of DNA double-base adducts of Triplatin by DNA polymerases.

Protein Recognition in Drug-Induced DNA Alkylation: When the Moonlight Protein GAPDH Meets S23906-1/DNA Minor Groove Adducts

DNA alkylating drugs have been used in clinics for more than seventy years. The diversity of their mechanism of action (major/minor groove; mono-/bis-alkylation; intra-/inter-strand crosslinks; DNA stabilization/destabilization, etc.) has undoubtedly major consequences on the cellular response to treatment. The aim of this review is to highlight the variety of established protein recognition of DNA adducts to then particularly focus on glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) function in DNA adduct interaction with illustration using original experiments performed with S23906-1/DNA adduct. The introduction of this review is a state of the art of protein/DNA adducts recognition, depending on the major or minor groove orientation of the DNA bonding as well as on the molecular consequences in terms of double-stranded DNA maintenance. It reviews the implication of proteins from both DNA repair, transcription, replication and chromatin maintenance in selective DNA adduct recognition. The main section of the manuscript is focusing on the implication of the moonlighting protein GAPDH in DNA adduct recognition with the model of the peculiar DNA minor groove alkylating and destabilizing drug S23906-1. The mechanism of action of S23906-1 alkylating drug and the large variety of GAPDH cellular functions are presented prior to focus on GAPDH direct binding to S23906-1 adducts.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Evaluation of the Biological Properties of Heteroleptic Palladium(II) Complexes

Five heteroleptic palladium(II) complexes of the general formula Pd(PR3)(tu)Cl2, where PR3 = triphenylphosphine (1), diphenyl-o-tolylphosphine (2), diphenyl-p-tolylphosphine (3), diphenyl-t-butylphosphine (4), and diphenyl-o-methoxyphenylphosphine (5), and tu = 1,3-bis(2-methoxyphenyl) thiourea. They all have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques (elemental analysis, FTIR, and (1)H NMR and the ligand 1,3-bis(2-methoxyphenyl) thiourea was synthesized by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique). The synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against four strains of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis). The antitumor potential was evaluated in terms of activity against brine shrimp eggs and DNA interaction. The mixed ligand complexes have exhibited moderate antibacterial activity and promising antitumor potential.

Comparative thermal and thermodynamic study of DNA chemically modified with antitumor drug cisplatin and its inactive analog transplatin

Antitumor activity of cisplatin is exerted by covalent binding to DNA. For comparison, studies of cisplatin-DNA complexes often employ the very similar but inactive transplatin. In this work, thermal and thermodynamic properties of DNA complexes with these compounds were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and computer modeling. DSC demonstrates that cisplatin decreases thermal stability (melting temperature, Tm) of long DNA, and transplatin increases it. At the same time, both compounds decrease the enthalpy and entropy of the helix-coil transition, and the impact of transplatin is much higher. From Pt/nucleotide molar ratio rb=0.001, both compounds destroy the fine structure of DSC profile and increase the temperature melting range (ΔT). For cisplatin and transplatin, the dependences δTm vs rb differ in sign, while δΔT vs rb are positive for both compounds. The change in the parameter δΔT vs rb demonstrates the GC specificity in the location of DNA distortions. Our experimental results and calculations show that 1) in contrast to [Pt(dien)Cl]Cl, monofunctional adducts formed by transplatin decrease the thermal stability of long DNA at [Na(+)]>30mM; 2) interstrand crosslinks of cisplatin and transplatin only slightly increase Tm; 3) the difference in thermal stability of DNA complexes with cisplatin vs DNA complexes with transplatin mainly arises from the different thermodynamic properties of their intrastrand crosslinks. This type of crosslink appears to be responsible for the antitumor activity of cisplatin. At any [Na(+)] from interval 10-210mM, cisplatin and transplatin intrastrand crosslinks give rise to destabilization and stabilization, respectively.

Base pair opening in a deoxynucleotide duplex containing a cis-syn thymine cyclobutane dimer lesion

The cis-syn thymine cyclobutane dimer is a DNA photoproduct implicated in skin cancer. We compared the stability of individual base pairs in thymine dimer-containing duplexes to undamaged parent 10-mer duplexes. UV melting thermodynamic measurements, CD spectroscopy, and 2D NOESY NMR spectroscopy confirm that the thymine dimer lesion is locally and moderately destabilizing within an overall B-form duplex conformation. We measured the rates of exchange of individual imino protons by NMR using magnetization transfer from water and determined the equilibrium constant for the opening of each base pair K(op). In the normal duplex K(op) decreases from the frayed ends of the duplex toward the center, such that the central TA pair is the most stable with a K(op) of 8 × 10⁻⁷. In contrast, base pair opening at the 5'T of the thymine dimer is facile. The 5'T of the dimer has the largest equilibrium constant (K(op) = 3 × 10⁻⁴) in its duplex, considerably larger than even the frayed penultimate base pairs. Notably, base pairing by the 3'T of the dimer is much more stable than by the 5'T, indicating that the predominant opening mechanism for the thymine dimer lesion is not likely to be flipping out into solution as a single unit. The dimer asymmetrically affects the stability of the duplex in its vicinity, destabilizing base pairing on its 5' side more than on the 3' side. The striking differences in base pair opening between parent and dimer duplexes occur independently of the duplex-single strand melting transitions.

Thermodynamic and mechanistic insights into translesion DNA synthesis catalyzed by Y-family DNA polymerase across a bulky double-base lesion of an antitumor platinum drug

To determine how the Y-family translesion DNA polymerase η (Polη) processes lesions remains fundamental to understanding the molecular origins of the mutagenic translesion bypass. We utilized model systems employing a DNA double-base lesion derived from 1,2-GG intrastrand cross-links of a new antitumor Pt(II) complex containing a bulky carrier ligand, namely [PtCl(2)(cis-1,4-dach)] (DACH=diaminocyclohexane). The catalytic efficiency of Polη for the insertion of correct dCTP, with respect to the other incorrect nucleotides, opposite the 1,2-GG cross-link was markedly reduced by the DACH carrier ligand. This reduced efficiency of Polη to incorporate the correct dCTP could be due to a more extensive DNA unstacking and deformation of the minor groove induced in the DNA by the cross-link of bulky [PtCl(2)(cis-1,4-dach)]. The major products of the bypass of this double-base lesion produced by [PtCl(2)(cis-1,4-dach)] by Polη resulted from misincorporation of dATP opposite the platinated G residues. The results of the present work support the thesis that this misincorporation could be due to sterical effects of the bulkier 1,4-DACH ligand hindering the formation of the Polη-DNA-incoming nucleotide complex. Calorimetric analysis suggested that thermodynamic factors may contribute to the forces that governed enhanced incorporation of the incorrect dATP by Polη as well.

Thermodynamic consequences of the hyperoxidized guanine lesion guanidinohydantoin in duplex DNA

Guanidinohydantoin (Gh) is a hyperoxidized DNA lesion produced by oxidation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG). Previous work has shown that Gh is potently mutagenic in both in vitro and in vivo coding for G → T and G → C transversion mutations. In this work, analysis by circular dichroism shows that the Gh lesion does not significantly alter the global structure of a 15-mer duplex and that the DNA remains in the B-form. However, we find that Gh causes a large decrease in the thermal stability, decreasing the duplex melting temperature by ~17 °C relative to an unmodified duplex control. Using optical melting analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, the thermodynamic parameters describing duplex melting were also determined. We find that the Gh lesion causes a dramatic decrease in the enthalpic stability of the duplex. This enthalpic destabilization is somewhat tempered by entropic stabilization; yet, Gh results in an overall decrease in thermodynamic stability of the duplex relative to a control that lacks DNA damage, with a ΔΔG° of -7 kcal/mol. These results contribute to our understanding of the consequences of hyperoxidation of G and provide insight into how the thermal and thermodynamic destabilization caused by Gh may influence replication and/or repair of the lesion.

Sequence-specific recognition of cancer drug-DNA adducts by HMGB1a repair protein

The efficacy of cancer drugs such as cisplatin (Cp) and oxaliplatin (Ox), which covalently bind to DNA to form drug-DNA adducts, is linked to their recognition by repair proteins such as HMGB1a. Previous experimental studies showed that HMGB1a's binding affinity for Cp- and Ox-DNA varies with the drug used and the local DNA sequence context of the adduct. We link this differential binding affinity to the free energy of deforming (bending and minor groove opening) the drug-DNA molecule during HMGB1a binding. Specifically, the minimal binding affinity of HMGB1a for Ox-DNA in the TGGA context is explained by its larger deformation free energy compared with Cp-DNA or Ox-DNA in other sequence contexts. Methyl groups on neighboring thymine bases in Ox-TGGA crowd the minor groove and sterically hinder the motion of the diaminocyclohexane ring of Ox, leading to this reduced deformability and resultant decrease in HMGB1a's binding affinity.

Replacement of a thiourea with an amidine group in a monofunctional platinum-acridine antitumor agent. Effect on DNA interactions, DNA adduct recognition and repair

A combination of biophysical, biochemical, and computational techniques was used to delineate mechanistic differences between the platinum-acridine hybrid agent [PtCl(en)(L)](NO(3))(2) (complex 1, en = ethane-1,2-diamine, L = 1-[2-(acridin-9-ylamino)ethyl]-1,3-dimethylthiourea) and a considerably more potent second-generation analogue containing L' = N-[2-(acridin-9-ylamino)ethyl]-N-methylpropionamidine (complex 2). Calculations at the density functional theory level provide a rationale for the binding preference of both complexes for guanine-N7 and the relatively high level of adenine adducts observed for compound 1. A significant rate enhancement is observed for binding of the amidine-based complex 2 with DNA compared with the thiourea-based prototype 1. Studies conducted with chemical probes and on the bending and unwinding of model duplex DNA suggest that adducts of complex 2 perturb B-form DNA more severely than complex 1, however, without denaturing the double strand and significantly less than cisplatin. Circular and linear dichroism spectroscopies and viscosity measurements suggest that subtle differences exist between the intercalation modes and adduct geometries of the two complexes. The adducts formed by complex 2 most efficiently inhibit transcription of the damaged DNA by RNA polymerase II. Not only do complexes 1 and 2 cause less distortion to DNA than cisplatin, they also do not compromise the thermodynamic stability of the modified duplex. This leads to a decreased or negligible affinity of HMG domain proteins for the adducts formed by either Pt-acridine complex. In a DNA repair synthesis assay the lesions formed by complex 2 were repaired less efficiently than those formed by complex 1. These significant differences in DNA adduct formation, structure, and recognition between the two acridine complexes and cisplatin help to elucidate why compound 2 is highly active in cisplatin-resistant, repair proficient cancer cell lines.

Walking of antitumor bifunctional trinuclear PtII complex on double-helical DNA

The trinuclear BBR3464 ([{trans-PtCl(NH₃)₂}₂µ-(trans-Pt(NH₃)₂(H₂N(CH₂)₆NH₂)₂)]⁴⁺) belongs to the polynuclear class of platinum-based anticancer agents. DNA adducts of this complex differ significantly in structure and type from those of clinically used mononuclear platinum complexes, especially, long-range (Pt, Pt) intrastrand and interstrand cross-links are formed in both 5′–5′ and 3′–3′ orientations. We show employing short oligonucleotide duplexes containing single, site-specific cross-links of BBR3464 and gel electrophoresis that in contrast to major DNA adducts of clinically used platinum complexes, under physiological conditions the coordination bonds between platinum and N7 of G residues involved in the cross-links of BBR3464 can be cleaved. This cleavage may lead to the linkage isomerization reactions between this metallodrug and double-helical DNA. Differential scanning calorimetry of duplexes containing single, site-specific cross-links of BBR3464 reveals that one of the driving forces that leads to the lability of DNA cross-links of this metallodrug is a difference between the thermodynamic destabilization induced by the cross-link and by the adduct into which it could isomerize. The rearrangements may proceed in the way that cross-links originally formed in one strand of DNA can spontaneously translocate from one DNA strand to its complementary counterpart, which may evoke walking of the platinum complex on DNA molecule.

Energetics, conformation, and recognition of DNA duplexes modified by monodentate Ru(II) complexes containing terphenyl arenes

We studied the thermodynamic properties, conformation, and recognition of DNA duplexes site-specifically modified by monofunctional adducts of Ru(II) complexes of the type [Ru(II)(eta(6)-arene)(Cl)(en)](+), in which arene=para-, meta-, or ortho-terphenyl (complexes 1, 2, and 3, respectively) and en=1,2-diaminoethane. It has been shown (J. Med. Chem. 2008, 51, 5310) that 1 exhibits promising cytotoxic effects in human tumor cells, whereas 2 and 3 are much less cytotoxic; concomitantly with the high cytotoxicity of 1, its DNA binding mode involves combined intercalative and monofunctional (coordination) binding modes, whereas less cytotoxic compounds 2 and 3 bind to DNA only through a monofunctional coordination to DNA bases. An analysis of conformational distortions induced in DNA by adducts of 1 and 2 revealed more extensive and stronger distortion and concomitantly greater thermodynamic destabilization of DNA by the adducts of nonintercalating 2. Moreover, affinity of replication protein A to the DNA duplex containing adduct of 1 was pronouncedly lower than to the adduct of 2. On the other hand, another damaged-DNA-binding protein, xeroderma pigmentosum protein A, did not recognize the DNA adduct of 1 or 2. Importantly, the adducts of 1 induced a considerably lower level of repair synthesis than the adducts of 2, which suggests enhanced persistence of the adducts of the more potent and intercalating 1 in comparison with the adducts of the less potent and nonintercalating 2. Also interestingly, the adducts of 1 inhibited DNA polymerization more efficiently than the adducts of 2, and they could also be bypassed by DNA polymerases with greater difficulty. Results of the present work along with those previously published support the view that monodentate Ru(II) arene complexes belong to a class of anticancer agents for which structure-pharmacological relationships might be correlated with their DNA-binding modes.

DNA-Destabilizing Agents as an Alternative Approach for Targeting DNA: Mechanisms of Action and Cellular Consequences

DNA targeting drugs represent a large proportion of the actual anticancer drug pharmacopeia, both in terms of drug brands and prescription volumes. Small DNA-interacting molecules share the ability of certain proteins to change the DNA helix's overall organization and geometrical orientation via tilt, roll, twist, slip, and flip effects. In this ocean of DNA-interacting compounds, most stabilize both DNA strands and very few display helix-destabilizing properties. These types of DNA-destabilizing effect are observed with certain mono- or bis-intercalators and DNA alkylating agents (some of which have been or are being developed as cancer drugs). The formation of locally destabilized DNA portions could interfere with protein/DNA recognition and potentially affect several crucial cellular processes, such as DNA repair, replication, and transcription. The present paper describes the molecular basis of DNA destabilization, the cellular impact on protein recognition, and DNA repair processes and the latter's relationships with antitumour efficacy.

Energetics, conformation, and recognition of DNA duplexes modified by methylated analogues of [PtCl(dien)]+

In early studies of empirical structure-activity relationships, monodentate Pt(II) complexes were considered to be biologically inactive. Examples of such inactive monodentate Pt(II) compounds are [PtCl(dien)]+ (dien=diethylenetriamine) and [PtCl(NH3)3]+. DNA is considered the major biological target of platinum compounds. Thus, monodentate DNA binding of Pt(II) compounds was previously expected to display insignificant biological effects because it was assumed to affect DNA conformation and downstream cellular processes markedly less than the cross-links of bifunctional Pt(II) complexes. More recently it was shown that some monodentate Pt(II) complexes do exhibit biological effects; the active monodentate Pt(II) complexes commonly feature bulkier amine ligands than the hitherto used dien or NH(3) groups. We were therefore interested in determining whether a simple but marked enhancement of the bulkiness of the dien ligand in monodentate [Pt(NO3)(dien)]+ by multiple methylation of this ligand affects the early phases in which platinum compounds exert their biological activity. More specifically, the goals of this study, performed in cell-free media, were to determine how the modification of DNA duplexes by methylated analogues of [Pt(NO3)(dien)]+ affects their energetics and how the alterations of this biophysical parameter are reflected by the recognition of these duplexes by DNA polymerases and the DNA repair system. We have found that the impact of the methylation of [Pt(NO3)(dien)]+ on the biophysical properties of DNA (thermodynamic, thermal, and conformational properties) and its biochemical processes (DNA polymerization and the repair of DNA adducts) is remarkable. Hence, we conclude that monodentate DNA binding of Pt(II) compounds may considerably affect the biophysical properties of DNA and consequently downstream cellular processes as a result of a large increase in the bulkiness of the nonleaving ligands in this class of metal complex.

Biophysical studies on the stability of DNA intrastrand cross-links of transplatin

Clinically ineffective transplatin [trans-diamminedichloridoplatinum(II)] is used in the studies of the structure-pharmacological activity relationship of platinum compounds. In addition, a number of transplatin analogs exhibit promising toxic effects in several tumor cell lines including those resistant to conventional antitumor cisplatin. Moreover, transplatin-modified oligonucleotides have been shown to be effective modulators of gene expression. Owing to these facts and because DNA is also considered the major pharmacological target of platinum complexes, interactions between transplatin and DNA are of great interest. We examined, using biophysical and biochemical methods, the stability of 1,3-GNG intrastrand cross-links (CLs) formed by transplatin in short synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplexes and natural double-helical DNA. We have found that transplatin forms in double-helical DNA 1,3-GNG intrastrand CLs, but their stability depends on the sequence context. In some sequences the 1,3-GNG intrastrand CLs formed by transplatin in double-helical DNA readily rearrange into interstrand CLs. On the other hand, in a number of other sequences these intrastrand CLs are relatively stable. We show that the stability of 1,3-GNG intrastrand CLs of transplatin correlates with the extent of conformational distortion and thermodynamic destabilization induced in double-helical DNA by this adduct.

Impact of the oxidized guanine lesion spiroiminodihydantoin on the conformation and thermodynamic stability of a 15-mer DNA duplex

Spiroiminodihydantoin (Sp) is a hyperoxidized guanine base produced from oxidation of the mutagenic DNA lesion 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxguanosine (8-oxoG) by a variety of species including peroxynitrite, singlet oxygen, and the high-valent metals Ir(IV) and Cr(V). In this study, the conformation and thermodynamic stability of a 15-mer DNA duplex containing an Sp lesion are examined using spectroscopic techniques and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The Sp lesion does not alter the global B-form conformation of the DNA duplex as determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Thermal denaturation experiments find that Sp significantly lowers the thermal stability of the duplex by approximately 20 degrees C. The enthalpies, entropies, and free energies of duplex formation for 15-mers containing guanine, 8-oxoG, and Sp were determined by performing DSC experiments as well as van't Hoff analysis of UV melting spectroscopic data. The thermodynamic stability of the Sp duplex is significantly reduced compared to that of both the 8-oxoG and parent G duplexes, with the thermodynamic destabilization being enthalpic in origin. The thermodynamic impact of the Sp lesion is compared to what is found for other types of DNA base damage and discussed in relation to how the presence of this lesion could affect cellular processes, in particular the recognition and repair of these adducts by the base excision repair enzymes.

Conformation of DNA GG intrastrand cross-link of antitumor oxaliplatin and its enantiomeric analog

Downstream processes that discriminate between DNA adducts of a third generation platinum antitumor drug oxaliplatin and conventional cisplatin are believed to be responsible for the differences in their biological effects. These different biological effects are explained by the ability of oxaliplatin to form DNA adducts more efficient in their biological effects. In this work conformation, recognition by HMG domain protein and DNA polymerization across the major 1,2-GG intrastrand cross-link formed by cisplatin and oxaliplatin in three sequence contexts were compared with the aid of biophysical and biochemical methods. The following major differences in the properties of the cross-links of oxaliplatin and cisplatin were found: i), the formation of the cross-link by oxaliplatin is more deleterious energetically in all three sequence contexts; ii), the cross-link of oxaliplatin bends DNA slightly but systematically less in all sequence contexts tested; iii), the affinity of HMG domain protein to the cross-link of oxaliplatin is considerably lower independent of the sequence context; and iv), the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I pauses considerably more at the cross-link of oxaliplatin in all sequence contexts tested. We have also demonstrated that the chirality at the carrier ligand of oxaliplatin can affect its biological effects.

Thermodynamic properties of damaged DNA and its recognition by xeroderma pigmentosum group A protein and replication protein A

The effects of the lesions induced by single, site-specific 1,2-GG or 1,3-GTG intrastrand adducts of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) formed in oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplexes on energetics of DNA were examined by means of differential scanning calorimetry. These effects were correlated with affinity of these duplexes for damaged-DNA binding-proteins XPA and RPA; this affinity was examined by gel electrophoresis. The results confirm that rigid DNA bending is the specific determinant responsible for high-affinity interactions of XPA with damaged DNA, but that an additional important factor, which affects affinity of XPA to damaged DNA, is a change of thermodynamic stability of DNA induced by the damage. In addition, the results also confirm that RPA preferentially binds to DNA distorted so that hydrogen bonds between complementary bases are interrupted. RPA also binds to non-denaturational distortions in double-helical DNA, but affinity of RPA to these distortions is insensitive to alterations of thermodynamic stability of damaged DNA.

Marked dependence on carrier-ligand bulk but not on carrier-ligand chirality of the duplex versus single-strand forms of a DNA oligonucleotide with a series of G-Pt(II)-G intrastrand cross-links modeling cisplatin-DNA adducts

The N7-Pt-N7 adjacent G,G intrastrand DNA cross-link responsible for cisplatin anticancer activity is dynamic, promotes local "melting" in long DNA, and converts many oligomer duplexes to single strands. For 5'-d(A1T2G3G4G5T6A7C8C9C10A11T12)-3' (G3), treatment of the (G3)2 duplex with five pairs of [LPt(H2O)2]2+ enantiomers (L = an asymmetric diamine) formed mixtures of LPt-G3 products (1 Pt per strand) cross-linked at G3,G4 or at G4,G5 in all cases. L chirality exerted little influence. For primary diamines L with bulk on chelate ring carbons (e.g., 1,2-diaminocyclohexane), the duplex was converted completely into single strands (G3,G4 coils and G4,G5 hairpins), exactly mirroring results for cisplatin, which lacks bulk. In sharp contrast, for secondary diamines L with bulk on chelate ring nitrogens (e.g., 2,2'-bipiperidine, Bip), unexpectedly stable duplexes having two platinated strands (even a unique G3,G4/G4,G5 heteroduplex) were formed. After enzymatic digestion of BipPt-G3 duplexes, the conformation of the relatively nondynamic G,G units was shown to be head-to-head (HH) by HPLC/mass spectrometric characterization. Because the HH conformation dominates at the G,G lesion in duplex DNA and in the BipPt-G3 duplexes, the stabilization of the duplex form only when the L nitrogen adducts possess bulk suggests that H-bonding interactions of the Pt-NH groups with the flanking DNA lead to local melting and to destabilization of oligomer duplexes. The marked dependence of adduct properties on L bulk and the minimal dependence on L chirality underscore the need for future exploration of the roles of the L periphery in affecting anticancer activity.

Binding of DNA purine sites to dirhodium compounds probed by mass spectrometry

The adducts formed between the antitumor active compounds [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2), Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4), and Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) with DNA oligonucleotides have been assessed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) and nanoelectrospray (nanoESI) coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS). A series of MALDI studies performed on dipurine (AA, AG, GA, and GG)-containing single-stranded oligonucleotides of different lengths (tetra- to dodecamers) led to the establishment of the relative reactivity cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2)(OH(2))(2)](2+) (activated cisplatin) approximately Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) > cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2)Cl(2)] (cisplatin) >> [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2) > Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4) approximately Pt(C(6)H(6)O(4))(NH(3))(2) (carboplatin). The relative reactivity of the complexes is associated with the lability of the leaving groups. The general trend is that an increase in the length of the oligonucleotide leads to enhanced reactivity for Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2) and Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4) (except for the case of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+), which reacts faster with the GG octamers than with the dodecamers), whereas the reactivity of Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) is independent of the oligonucleotide length. When monitored by ESI, the dodecamers containing GG react faster than the respectiveAA oligonucleotides in reactions with Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4) and Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](BF(4))(2), whereas AA oligonucleotides react faster with Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4). The mixed (AG, GA) purine sequences exhibit comparable rates of reactivity with the homopurine (AA, GG) dodecamers in reactions with Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4). The observation of initial dirhodium-DNA adducts with weak axial (ax) interactions, followed by rearrangement to more stable equatorial (eq) adducts, was achieved by electrospray ionization; the Rh-Rh bond as well as coordinated acetate or acetonitrile ligands remain intact in these dirhodium-DNA adducts. MALDI in-source decay (ISD), collision-induced dissociation (CID) MS-MS, and enzymatic digestion studies followed by MALDI and ESI MS reveal that, in the dirhodium compounds studied, the purine sites of the DNA oligonucleotides interact with the dirhodium core. Ultimately, both MALDI and ESI MS proved to be complementary, valuable tools for probing the identity and stability of dinuclear metal-DNA adducts.

Conformation of DNA Modified by Monofunctional Ru(II) Arene Complexes: Recognition by DNA Binding Proteins and Repair. Relationship to Cytotoxicity

We analyzed DNA duplexes modified at central guanine residues by monofunctional Ru(II) arene complexes [(eta(6)-arene)Ru(II)(en)(Cl)](+) (arene = tetrahydroanthracene or p-cymene, Ru-THA or Ru-CYM, respectively). These two complexes were chosen as representatives of two different classes of Ru(II) arene compounds for which initial studies revealed different binding modes: one that may involve DNA intercalation (tricyclic-ring Ru-THA) and the other (mono-ring Ru-CYM) that may not. Ru-THA is approximately 20 times more toxic to cancer cells than Ru-CYM. The adducts of Ru-THA and Ru-CYM have contrasting effects on the conformation, thermodynamic stability, and polymerization of DNA in vitro. In addition, the adducts of Ru-CYM are removed from DNA more efficiently than those of Ru-THA. Interestingly, the mammalian nucleotide excision repair system has low efficiency for excision of ruthenium adducts compared to cisplatin intrastrand crosslinks.

Effects of monofunctional adducts of platinum(II) complexes on thermodynamic stability and energetics of DNA duplexes

Effects of adducts of [PtCl(NH3)3]Cl or chlorodiethylenetriamineplatinum(II) on DNA stability were studied with emphasis on thermodynamic origins of that stability. Oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplexes (15-bp) containing the single, site-specific monofunctional adduct at G-residues of the central sequences TGT/ACA or 5'-AGT/5'-ACT were prepared and analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, temperature-dependent ultraviolet absorption and circular dichroism. The unfolding of the platinated duplexes was accompanied by relatively small unfavorable free energy terms. This destabilization was enthalpic in origin. On the other hand, a relatively large reduction of melting temperature (T(m)) was observed as a consequence of the monofunctional adduct in the TGT sequence, whereas T(m) due to the adduct in the AGT sequence was reduced only slightly. We also examined the efficiency of the mammalian nucleotide excision repair system to remove from DNA the monofunctional adducts and found that these lesions were not recognized by this repair system. Thus, rather thermodynamic than thermal characterization of DNA adducts of monofunctional platinum compounds is a property implicated in the modulation of downstream effects such as protein recognition and repair.

NMR solution structure of an oxaliplatin 1,2-d(GG) intrastrand cross-link in a DNA dodecamer duplex

We have determined, at high resolution, the NMR solution structure of an oxaliplatin-GG DNA dodecamer in the AGGC sequence context by 2D NMR studies. Homonuclear assignment strategies resulted in unambiguous assignment of 203 out of 249 protons, which corresponds to assignment of approximately 81% of the protons. Assignments of H5' and H5" protons were tentative due to resonance overlap. The structure of the oxaliplatin duplex was calculated using the program CNS with a simulated annealing protocol. A total of 510 experimental restraints were employed in the structure calculation. Of 20 calculated structures, the 15 with the lowest energy were accepted as a family. The RMSD of the 15 lowest energy structures was 0.68 A, indicating good structural convergence. The theoretical NOESY spectrum obtained by back-calculation from the final average structure showed excellent agreement with the experimental data, indicating that the final structure was in good agreement with the experimental NMR data. Significant conformational differences were observed between the oxaliplatin-GG 12-mer DNA we studied and all previous solution structures of cisplatin-GG DNA duplexes. For example, the oxaliplatin-GG adduct shows much less distortion at the AG base-pair step than the cisplatin-GG adducts. In addition, the oxaliplatin-GG structure also has a narrow minor groove and an overall axis bend of about 31 degrees, both of which are very different from the recent NMR structures for the cisplatin-GG adducts. These structural differences may explain some of the biological differences between oxaliplatin- and cisplatin-GG adducts.

DNA modifications by antitumor platinum and ruthenium compounds: their recognition and repair

The development of metal-based antitumor drugs has been stimulated by the clinical success of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) and its analogs and by the clinical trials of other platinum and ruthenium complexes with activity against resistant tumors and reduced toxicity including orally available platinum drugs. Broadening the spectrum of antitumor drugs depends on understanding existing agents with a view toward developing new modes of attack. It is therefore of great interest to understand the details of molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying the biological efficacy of platinum and other transition-metal compounds. There is a large body of experimental evidence that the success of platinum complexes in killing tumor cells results from their ability to form various types of covalent adducts on DNA; thus, the research of DNA interactions of metal-based antitumor drugs has predominated. The present review summarizes current knowledge on DNA modifications by platinum and ruthenium complexes, their recognition by specific proteins, and repair. It also provides strong support for the view that either platinum or ruthenium drugs, which bind to DNA in a fundamentally different manner from that of 'classical' cisplatin, have altered pharmacological properties. The present article also demonstrates that this concept has already led to the synthesis of several new unconventional platinum or ruthenium antitumor compounds that violate the original structure-activity relationships.

DNA oligonucleotide duplexes containing intramolecular platinated cross-links: energetics, hydration, sequence, and ionic effects

The anticancer activity of cisplatin arises from its ability to bind covalently to DNA, forming primarily intrastrand cross-links to adjacent purine residues; the most common adducts involve d(GpG) (65%) and d(ApG) (25%) intrastrand cross-links. The incorporation of these platinum adducts in a B-DNA helix induces local distortions, causing bending and unwinding of the DNA. In this work, we used temperature-dependent UV spectroscopy to investigate the unfolding thermodynamics, and associated ionic effects, of two sets of DNA decamer duplexes containing either cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2)[d(GpG]] or cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2) [d(ApG]] cross-links, and their corresponding unmodified duplexes. The platinated duplexes are less stable and unfold with lower T(M)s (and Delta G degrees s) in enthalpy-driven reactions, which indicates a loss of favorable base-pair stacking interactions. The folding thermodynamics and hydration effects for the first set of decamers containing the d(GpG) cross-link was investigated by a combination of titration calorimetry, density, and ultrasound techniques. The hydration parameters showed an uptake of structural water by the platinated duplex and a release of electrostricted water by the control duplex. Relative to the unmodified duplex, the folding of the platinated duplex at 20 degrees C yielded a positive Delta Delta G degrees term [and positive Delta Delta H-Delta(T Delta S) compensation] and a negative differential volume change. The opposite signs of the Delta Delta G degrees and Delta Delta V terms confirmed its uptake of structural water. Further, solvent-accessible surface areas calculations for a similar pair of dodecamer duplexes indicated that the modified duplex has a 503 oeA(2) higher polar and nonpolar surface area that is exposed to the solvent. Therefore, the incorporation of a platinum adduct in duplex DNA disrupts favorable base-pair stacking interactions, yielding a greater exposure of aromatic bases to the solvent, which in turn immobilizes structural water. The overall results correlate nicely with the results reported in the available structural data of nuclear magnetic resonance solution studies.

DNA bending and unwinding due to the major 1,2-GG intrastrand cross-link formed by antitumor cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) are flanking-base independent

Antitumor cisplatin [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)] forms on DNA predominantly intrastrand cross-links between neighboring purine residues. Several discoveries suggested that the toxicity of cisplatin originated from these lesions. The formation of 1,2-GG intrastrand cross-link of cisplatin leads to marked conformational alterations in DNA including a directional, rigid bend toward the major groove and local unwinding. These altered structures attract various cellular proteins. This phenomenon has been postulated to mediate antitumor properties of cisplatin. Importantly, the binding affinity of several proteins that specifically recognize 1,2-GG intrastrand cross-link to platinated DNA is modulated by the nature of the base pairs that immediately flank the platinated d(GpG) site. However, the influence of sequence context on DNA bending and unwinding due to the formation of the 1,2-GG intrastrand cross-link has not been extensively investigated. In the present study we have employed electrophoretic retardation (phasing) assay to analyze bending and unwinding induced by the single, site-specific 1,2-GG intrastrand cross-link immediately flanked by various bases formed by cisplatin in nine oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplexes. The results indicate that bending and unwinding of DNA as a consequence of the formation of the major adduct of cisplatin is, in the first approximation, independent of the base pairs flanking the platinated d(GpG) site.

Fluorescence energy transfer monitored competitive equilibria of nucleic acids: applications in thermodynamics and screening

Precise thermodynamic characterization of nucleic acid complex stability is required to understand a variety of biologically significant events as well as to exploit the specific recognition capabilities of nucleic acids in biotechnology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The development of a database of nucleic acid thermodynamics with sufficient precision to foster further developments in these areas requires new and improved measurement techniques. The combination of a competitive equilibrium titration with fluorescence energy transfer based detection provides a method for precise measurement of differences in free energy values for nucleic acid duplexes that far exceeds in precision those accessible via conventional methods. The method can be applied to detect and to characterize any deviation in a nucleic acid that alters duplex stability. Such deviations include, but are not limited to, mismatches; single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP); chemically modified nucleotide bases, sugars or phosphates; and conformational anomalies or folding motifs, such as, loops or hairpins.

Recognition of major DNA adducts of enantiomeric cisplatin analogs by HMG box proteins and nucleotide excision repair of these adducts

We examined HMG domain protein recognition of major 1,2-GG intrastrand DNA crosslinks, formed by two bifunctional enantiomeric analogs of antitumor cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin), and removal of these crosslinks during in vitro nucleotide excision repair (NER) reactions. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays show that domains A and B of HMGB1 protein bind to (2R,3R)-diaminobutanedichloroplatinum(II)-generated crosslinks with a higher affinity than to those generated by (2S,3S)-diaminobutanedichloroplatinum(II). The crosslinks of both enantiomers are removed by NER with a similar efficiency; however, HMG1B protein significantly inhibits removal of the (2R,3R)-diaminobutaneplatinum(II) adduct, but not that of the (2S,3S) enantiomer. Thus, HMG domain proteins discriminate among different conformations of the 1,2-GG intrastrand crosslinks of the two enantiomeric analogs of cisplatin, which results in different NER of these crosslinks. This observation may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying antitumor activity of cisplatin and its analogs.

Kinetic studies of the TATA-binding protein interaction with cisplatin-modified DNA

The TATA-binding protein (TBP) recognizes the TATA box element of transcriptional promoters and recruits other initiation factors. This essential protein binds selectively to cisplatin-damaged DNA. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed to study the kinetics of TBP binding both to the TATA box and to cisplatin-damaged DNA in different sequence contexts. TBP binds with high affinity (K(d) = 0.3 nm) to DNA containing site-specific cisplatin 1,2-intrastrand d(GpG) cross-links. The k(on) and k(off) values for the formation of these TBP complexes are 1-3 x 10(5) m(-1) s(-1) and approximately 1-5 x 10(-4) s(-1), respectively, similar to the corresponding values for the formation of a TBP-TATA box complex. In electrophoretic mobility shift assay competition assays, cisplatin-damaged DNA extensively sequesters TBP from its natural binding site, the TATA box. Nine DNA probes were prepared to determine the flanking sequence dependence of TBP binding to cisplatin-modified DNA. TBP clearly displays sequence context selectivity for platinated DNA, very similar to but not as dramatic as that of the high mobility group protein HMGB1. When TBP was added to an in vitro nucleotide excision repair assay, it specifically shielded cisplatin-modified 1,2-(GpG) intrastrand cross-links from repair. These results indicate that TBP is likely to be a key protein in mediating the cytotoxicity of cisplatin.

Cisplatin: from DNA damage to cancer chemotherapy

Cisplatin [cis-DDP, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)] is a potent anticancer drug that has been used successfully to treat tumors of the head, neck, lungs, and genitourinary tract. The biological activity of cisplatin was discovered serendipitously more than 30 years ago, and since that time research efforts have focused on elucidating its mechanism of action. The present review provides a historical perspective of our attempts to understand this complex phenomenon and the results of recent work that guides our current activities in this field. Continued efforts to understand the mechanism of genotoxicity of cisplatin are expected to lead to the discovery of new drugs and combinations for the improvement of cancer chemotherapy.

Laser-induced photo-cross-linking of cisplatin-modified DNA to HMG-domain proteins

Laser-induced photo-cross-linking was investigated for DNA, modified with cisplatin at specific sites, bound to structure-specific recognition domains of proteins in the high-mobility group (HMG) class. The efficiency of photo-cross-linking depends on the wavelength and power of the laser, the nature of the protein domain, and the oligodeoxyribonucleotide sequences flanking the platinated site. Introduction of 5-iodouridine at thymine sites of the oligodeoxyribonucleotide as an additional photoreactive group did not increase the photo-cross-linking yield. Formation of platinum-mediated DNA-DNA interstrand cross-linking observed previously upon irradiation with 302 nm light [Kane, S. A., and Lippard, S. J. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 2180-2188] was significantly reduced with laser irradiation. HMG1 domain B is superior to domain A for platinum-mediated photo-cross-linking, a result attributed to the different positioning of the proteins with respect to the platinum adduct and the greater ability of domain B to access photolabilized platinum in the major groove. Studies with proteins containing specifically mutated amino acids, and with DNA probes in which the sequences flanking the platinum cross-link site were varied, suggest that the most effective photo-cross-linking occurs for protein domains bound symmetrically and flexibly to cisplatin-modified DNA. The thermodynamic equilibrium between the protein-platinated DNA complex and its components, revealed in gel electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), is significantly shifted to the right upon irreversible photo-cross-linking. Thus, only upon photo-cross-linking can the interaction of cisplatin-DNA 1,3-intrastrand d(GpTpG) or interstrand cross-links with HMG1 domain B protein be detected. Photo-cross-linking is thus an effective tool for investigating the interaction of cisplatin-modified DNA with damage-recognition proteins under heterogeneous conditions such those in cell extracts or living cells.

Thermodynamic properties of duplex DNA containing a site-specific d(GpG) intrastrand crosslink formed by an antitumor dinuclear platinum complex

Bifunctional polynuclear platinum compounds represent a novel class of metal-based antitumor drugs which are currently undergoing preclinical development. A typical agent is [(trans-PtCl(NH(3))(2))(2)H(2)N(CH(2))(4)NH(2)]Cl(2) (1,1/t,t), which coordinates to bases in DNA and forms various types of covalent crosslinks. It also forms a 1,2-d(GpG) intrastrand adduct, the equivalent of the major DNA lesion of 'classical' cisplatin. In the present study differential scanning calorimetry and spectroscopic techniques were employed to characterize the influence of this crosslink on the thermal stability and energetics of 20 bp DNA duplexes site-specifically modified by 1,1/t,t. Thermal denaturation data revealed that the crosslink of 1,1/t,t reduced thermal and thermodynamical stability of the duplex noticeably more than that of 'classical' cisplatin. The energetic consequences of the intrastrand crosslink at the d(GG) site are discussed in relation to the structural distortions induced by this adduct in DNA and to its recognition and binding by HMG domain proteins. It has been suggested that the results of the present work are consistent with different DNA binding modes of cisplatin and polynuclear bifunctional DNA-binding drugs, which might be relevant to their distinct biological effectiveness.

The effect of DNA structure on the catalytic efficiency and fidelity of human DNA polymerase beta on templates with platinum-DNA adducts

DNA adducts formed by platinum-based anticancer drugs interfere with DNA replication. The carrier ligand of the platinum compound is likely to affect the conformation of the Pt-DNA adducts. In addition, the conformation of the adduct can also change upon binding of damaged DNA to the active site of DNA polymerase. From the crystal structures of pol beta ternary complexes it is evident that undamaged gapped and primed single-stranded (non-gapped) DNA templates exist in very different conformations when bound to pol beta. Therefore, one might expect that the constraints imposed on the damaged templates by binding to the polymerase active site should also affect the conformation of the Pt-DNA adducts and their ability to inhibit DNA replication. In support of this hypothesis we have found that the efficiency, carrier ligand specificity, site of discrimination (3'-G versus 5'-G of the Pt-GG adducts), and fidelity of translesion synthesis past Pt-DNA adducts by pol beta are strongly affected by the structure of the DNA template. Previous studies have suggested that the conformation of Pt-DNA adducts may be affected by the sequence context of the adduct. In support of this hypothesis, our data show that sequence context affects the efficiency, fidelity, and pattern of misincorporation by pol beta.

15-mer DNA duplexes containing an abasic site are thermodynamically more stable with adjacent purines than with pyrimidines

Abasic site (AP)-containing duplexes, with flanking adenine (A) or cytosine (C) bases, were shown to be more stable with flanking A than with C bases [Sági, J., Hang, B., and Singer, B. (1999) Chem. Res. Toxicol. 12, 917-923]. We investigated whether the lower-magnitude destabilization by an AP site, with A neighbors, is a general effect of the purine versus the pyrimidine neighbors. Duplex stability, as compared to that of the corresponding control duplexes, was markedly decreased by the incorporation of the AP site (x) opposite any of the four bases. However, for the duplexes containing T, A, or C opposite the AP site, replacement of the symmetric doublet flanking pyrimidine bases with purines resulted in a smaller destabilization effect. The average stabilizing effect of the symmetric doublet purine neighbors of an AP site opposite T, A, or C bases was 3.2 degrees C (DeltaT(m)) and 1.3 kcal/mol (DeltaDeltaG degrees (37)) compared to those of pyrimidine neighbors. In contrast, a G.AP pair reduced or eliminated the differential effect of the neighbors. Using unrestrained molecular dynamics, it was shown that for the duplexes containing T opposite the AP site, with doublet pyrimidine neighbors, there was a larger magnitude of curvature around the lesion site than for the duplexes with the purines flanking the AP site. Purines flanking the AP site tend to shift toward each other, creating overlap, in contrast to the flanking pyrimidines. This indicates the possibility of stacking between purine bases at the AP site and can be the reason for the observed smaller thermodynamic destabilization of the duplexes with the AAxAA and GGxGG central sequences, as compared to those with TTxTT and CCxCC sequences. This work showed that for an AP site the GC content is not the only determinant of duplex stability, but rather is influenced more by whether purines or pyrimidines flank the AP site.

Thermal and thermodynamic properties of duplex DNA containing site-specific interstrand cross-link of antitumor cisplatin or its clinically ineffective trans isomer

The effect of the single, site-specific interstrand cross-link formed by cisplatin or transplatin on the thermal stability and energetics of a 20-base pair DNA duplex is reported. The cross-linked or unplatinated 20-base pair duplexes were investigated with the aid of differential scanning calorimetry, temperature-dependent UV absorption, and circular dichroism. The cross-link of both platinum isomers increases the thermal stability of the modified duplexes by changing the molecularity of denaturation. The structural perturbation resulting from the interstrand cross-link of cisplatin increases entropy of the duplex and in this way entropically stabilizes the duplex. This entropic cross-link-induced stabilization of the duplex is partially but not completely compensated by the enthalpic destabilization of the duplex. The net result of these enthalpic and entropic effects is that the structural perturbation resulting from the formation of the interstrand cross-link by cisplatin induces a decrease in duplex thermodynamic stability, with this destabilization being enthalpic in origin. By contrast, the interstrand cross-link of transplatin is enthalpically almost neutral with the cross-link-induced destabilization entirely entropic in origin. These differences are consistent with distinct conformational distortions induced by the interstrand cross-links of the two isomers. Importantly, for the duplex cross-linked by cisplatin relative to that cross-linked by transplatin, the compensating enthalpic and entropic effects almost completely offset the difference in cross-link-induced energetic destabilization. It has been proposed that the results of the present work further support the view that the impact of the interstrand cross-links of cisplatin and transplatin on DNA is different for each and might also be associated with the distinctly different antitumor effects of these platinum compounds.

Relationship of solution and protein-bound structures of DNA duplexes with the major intrastrand cross-link lesions formed on cisplatin binding to DNA

DNA bases in the three-base-pair (3bp) region of duplexes with the two major lesions of cisplatin (cis-PtCl(2)(NH(3))(2)) with DNA, namely d(XGG) and d(XAG) ( = N7-platinated base), differ in their relative positions by as much as approximately 3.5 A in structures in the literature. Such large differences impede drug design and assessments of the effects of protein binding on DNA structure. One recent and several past structures based on NMR-restrained molecular dynamics (RMD) differ significantly from the reported X-ray structure of an HMG-bound XGG 16-mer DNA duplex (Ohndorf, U.-M.; Rould, M. A.; He, Q.; Pabo, C. O.; Lippard, S. J. Nature 1999, 399, 708). This 16-mer structure has several significant novel and unique features (e.g., a bp step with large positive shift and slide). Hypothesizing that novel structural features in the XGG or XAG region of duplexes elude discovery by NMR methods (especially because of the flexible nature of the 3bp region), we studied an oligomer with only G.C bp's in the XGGY site by NMR methods for the first time. This 9-mer gave a 5'-G N1H signal with a normal shift and intensity and showed clear NOE cross-peaks to C NHb and NHe. We assigned for the first time (13)C NMR signals of a duplex with a GG lesion. These data, by adding NMR-based criteria to those inherent in NOESY and COSY data, have more specifically defined the structural features that should be present in an acceptable model. In particular, our data indicated that the sugar of the X residue has an N pucker and that the GG cross-link should have a structure similar to the original X-ray structure of cis-Pt(NH(3))(2)(d(pGpG)) (Sherman S. E.; Gibson, D.; Wang, A. H.-J.; Lippard, S. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1988, 110, 7368). With these restrictions added to NOE restraints, an acceptable model was obtained only when we started our modeling with the 16-mer structural features. The new X-ray/NMR-based model accounted for the NOESY data better than NOE-based models, was very similar in structure to the 16-mer, and differed from solely NOE-based models. We conclude that all XGG and XAG (X = C or T) duplexes undoubtedly have structures similar to those of the 16-mer and our model. Thus, protein binding does not change greatly the structure of the 3bp region. The structure of this region can now be used in understanding structure-activity relationships needed in the design of new carrier ligands for improving Pt anticancer drug activity.

DNA-Protein Crosslink and DNA Strand Break Formation in HL-60 Cells Treated with Trans,trans-Muconaldehyde, Hydroquinone and Their Mixtures

The toxicity of benzene, a human leukemogen and ubiquitous environmental pollutant, is mediated in part by ring-hydroxylated metabolites including hydroquinone (HQ) and ring-opened metabolites including trans,trans-muconaldehyde (muconaldehyde, MUC), and their interactions. DNA-protein crosslinks (DNAPC) and DNA strand breaks (DNASB) are toxic lesions associated with the mechanism(s) of toxicity of carcinogenic compounds. In the present studies, we examined the hypothesis that individual and interactive effects of MUC and HQ are involved in the formation of DNAPC and DNASB. We extended our previous studies on DNAPC induction by MUC in HL-60 cells to HQ and mixtures of MUC and HQ, and determined DNASB levels, including 3'OH DNASB. Treatment of HL-60 cells with 25 to 100 μM HQ followed by incubation for 4 hours resulted in 1.3- to 2.8-fold increases in DNAPC levels compared with control, as determined by a K+/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) precipitation assay. At 25 and 100 μM, MUC was 1.8 and 4.9 fold more effective at inducing DNAPC than HQ. Treatment with equimolar mixtures of 25 or 50 μM MUC and HQ resulted in higher DNAPC formation relative to the DNAPC levels expected if the effects were only additive. 3'OH DNASB levels as determined by the TUNEL assay showed a significant concentration-dependent increase 1 hour after treatment with 5 to 25 μM MUC, whereas HQ treatment had no effect. Cotreatment with 25 and 50 μM MUC/HQ mixtures resulted in significant decreases in TUNEL labeling relative to treatment with MUC alone. HL-60 cells treated with 1 to 50 μM MUC or HQ exhibited concentration- and time-dependent increases in DNASB as determined by the FADU assay, which measures a variety of single- and double-strand breaks and alkali labile sites. Exposure to 10 μM MUC gave Qdnasb values (1 Qdnasb ≍100 DNASB/cell) of 7.5 ± 1.2 and 15.4 ± 1.4 at the 1- and 2-hour time points respectively, compared with 0.1 ± 3.8 and 0.0 ± 1.5 for the corresponding time controls. The Qdnasb values after treatment with 10 μM HQ were 4.4 ± 0.7 and 17.7 ± 2.1 at the 1- and 2-hour time points, respectively, compared with 0.0 ± 0.5 and 0.0 ± 1.3 for the corresponding time controls. Induction of DNASB was additive 1 hour after treatment with equimolar MUC/HQ mixtures of 5 to 50 μM. These in vitro findings are significant in that DNAPC and DNASB lesions induced by MUC and HQ as well as their interactions could contribute to benzene-induced hematotoxicity and leukemogenesis.