Increased base change mutations at G:C pairs in Escherichia coli deficient in endonuclease III and VIII

Various types of mutation induced by oxidative DNA damage, induced by hydrogen peroxide and riboflavin photosensitization, were determined in Escherichia coli (E. coli) mutants deficient in endonuclease III (endo III) and endonuclease VIII (endo VIII). The majority of hydrogen peroxide-induced and spontaneous mutations consisted of G:C to A:T and to T:A base changes, shown on the mutation assay system by a reversion at a specific site of the lacZ gene. Base changes were also localized at G:C pairs in the mutation of the supF gene, induced by riboflavin photosensitization, which specifically yields 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG). G:C to T:A and to C:G transversions dominated in both mutants. These results suggest that endo III and endo VIII are involved in the repair of oxidative lesions of guanine.