ELIMINATION OF SULFUR MUSTARD-INDUCED ALKYLATION PRODUCTS FROM DNA OF ESCHERICHIA COLI,
Abstract
The objectives of this experiment were to determine if bacteria posses a mechanism for eliminating sulfur mustard-induced damages to their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and to ascertain the role of such a repair process in the recovery of cells from the effects of radiomimetic alkylating agents. This work is part of a continuing program that is designed to establish a rational approach for therapy against lethal mustard intoxications. Evidence is presented that (1) sulfur mustard-treated E. coli 15T(-)A(-)U(-) deploymerize a significant portion of their DNA during post-treatment metabolism, (2) the rate of loss of sulfur mustard products initially bound to DNA is more rapid than the rate of overall DNA degradation, (3) several sulfur mustardDNA alkylation products (including monofunctionally and bifunctionally alkylated guanine) are eliminated to equal extents, and (4) sulfur mustard-treated bacteria after a lag recover the capacity to synthesize DNA, suggestive of a causal relationship between the excision of alkylation products from DNA and resumption of DNA replication. Because these bacteria are also capable of excising ultraviolet light-induced thymine dimers, the current results suggest that cells possess a general mechanism for repairing different types of genetic defects. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0614267
Entities
People
- Bruno Papirmeister
- Claire L. Davison
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center