Quantitative analysis of DNA interstrand cross-links and monoadducts formed in human cells induced by psoralens and

Congfang Lai1, Huachuan Cao, John E Hearst

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-0403, USA.

Analytical Chemistry
|October 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Psoralens like 8-methoxypsoralen and amotosalen S59 form DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs) and monoadducts (MAs) under UVA light. A new method quantifies these, revealing S59 forms more ICLs than 8-MOP, and MAs may contribute to mutations.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Photochemistry
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Psoralens, upon UVA light exposure, induce DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs), impacting DNA replication and transcription.
  • 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) is used for psoriasis, while amotosalen S59 inactivates pathogens in blood products.
  • The biological significance of psoralen-induced DNA monoadducts (MAs) remains largely undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a method for simultaneous quantification of ICLs and MAs induced by 8-MOP and S59 in human cells.
  • To compare the yields of ICLs and MAs induced by 8-MOP and S59 under varying UVA light doses.
  • To investigate the potential role of MAs in psoralen-induced mutations.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a method involving single-enzyme (nuclease P1) digestion followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
  • Application of the method for simultaneous quantification of ICLs and MAs in human cells exposed to 8-MOP or S59 and UVA light.
  • Systematic variation of UVA light dose (0.5 to 10.0 J/cm²) to assess its impact on adduct formation.

Main Results:

  • Amotosalen S59 induced approximately 100-fold more ICLs than 8-MOP, with yields increasing significantly with UVA dose.
  • Three 8-MOP-MAs and five S59-MAs were identified, with MA yields consistently lower than ICL yields under identical conditions.
  • Appreciable yields of MAs were observed for both psoralen derivatives, even at lower UVA doses.

Conclusions:

  • The developed LC-MS/MS method enables simultaneous quantification of psoralen-induced ICLs and MAs.
  • Amotosalen S59 is a more potent inducer of ICLs compared to 8-MOP.
  • The formation of significant amounts of MAs, despite lower yields than ICLs, may contribute to the mutagenic potential of psoralens.