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The effect of bleomycin on mitochondrial DNA.
Zeitschrift Fur Krebsforschung Und Klinische Onkologie. Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology
|December 20, 1976
Summary
Bleomycin (BLM) can induce DNA strand breaks in mouse mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA). This conversion of closed circular mt-DNA to nicked or linear forms offers a sensitive detection method for DNA damage.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Covalently closed circular mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA) exhibits distinct separation from other DNA forms during buoyant density gradient analysis.
- DNA strand breaks can alter the conformation of circular DNA molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of using changes in mt-DNA conformation as a sensitive indicator for DNA strand breaks induced by bleomycin (BLM).
- To assess the efficacy of BLM in inducing DNA strand breaks in mouse fibroblast mt-DNA.
Main Methods:
- Ethidium bromide-cesium chloride buoyant density gradient analysis was employed to separate different forms of mt-DNA.
- Mouse fibroblast (L-cell) mt-DNA was exposed to varying concentrations of bleomycin (BLM).
Main Results:
- Bleomycin (BLM) at high concentrations induced the conversion of covalently closed circular mt-DNA to nicked circular or linear DNA.
- A significant amount of closed circular mt-DNA remained intact even after prolonged exposure to high BLM concentrations.
Conclusions:
- The conformational change of closed circular mt-DNA to nicked or linear forms is a potential sensitive method for detecting DNA strand breaks.
- Bleomycin (BLM) induces mt-DNA strand breaks, though a portion of the mt-DNA remains resistant to damage at high concentrations.