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Published on: February 7, 2019
Binding of 2-acetylaminofluorene to DNA
Shohreh Nafisi1, Mahyar Bonsaii, Valerie Alexis
1Department of Chemistry, Central Tehran Branch (IAUCTB), Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. drnafisi@yahoo.com
DNA and Cell Biology
|June 15, 2011
Summary
2-Acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF), a carcinogen, binds to DNA through intercalation and external interactions. This study reveals 2-AAF induces DNA structural changes and aggregation, contributing to its mutagenic effects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Carcinogenesis Research
Background:
- 2-Acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) is a known carcinogen and mutagen.
- It is utilized in research to understand cancer development mechanisms.
- AAF-DNA adducts are implicated in mutation and tumor formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the binding interactions between 2-AAF and calf-thymus DNA.
- To determine the binding mode, affinity, and stability of 2-AAF-DNA complexes.
- To analyze structural alterations in DNA upon 2-AAF exposure.
Main Methods:
- Spectroscopic techniques: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-visible spectroscopy.
- Molecular modeling simulations.
- Controlled experimental conditions: constant DNA concentration and varying AAF/DNA ratios.
Main Results:
- Spectroscopic data confirmed both intercalation and external DNA binding by 2-AAF.
- An overall binding constant of K(AAF-DNA) = 2.33 × 10(7) M⁻¹ was determined.
- 2-AAF induced a partial transition from B-DNA to A-DNA and caused DNA aggregation at high concentrations.
Conclusions:
- 2-AAF interacts with DNA via multiple binding modes.
- The binding induces significant DNA structural modifications and aggregation.
- These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of 2-AAF-induced carcinogenesis.
