[Changes in the structure of DNA induced by sarcolysine in vivo and in vitro]

Secondary structure and the rate of methylation of DNA, isolated from normal and malignant liver tissues (sarcoma 45) were studied in vivo and in vitro in presence of sarcolysine. The differential melting curve (DMC) in the DNA from malignant tissue was shifted, compared with that of the liver DNA, to the low temperature side and was characterized by appearance of an additional peak in the region of 50-60 degrees. A considerable increase in the level of methylation has been also noted in the DNA from malignant tissue. Sarcolysine caused a partial restoration of the DMC patterns and decreased by 20% the content of m5C in vivo; the DMC of the DNA from malignant tissue retained practically all its low-temperature features in vitro. The data obtained suggest that sarcolysine does not act directly on the DNA from malignant tissue but participates in an intermediate process, exhibiting a selective action on DNA.