Z-form induction in DNA by carcinogenic nickel compounds: an optical spectroscopy study

The B----Z conformational transition of double-stranded poly(dG-dC) induced by various nickel salts (chloride, sulfate, subsulfide, carbonate) has been studied by ultraviolet absorption and circular dichroism. The spectra of the nickel compounds, both free and complexed with DNA, have been obtained in the visible and near infrared regions. In all cases the nickel adopts the hexacoordinated ionic form [Ni(H2O6]2+ and induces the B----Z transition of the nucleic acid at submillimolar concentrations (typically 0.4 mM). The addition to the poly(dG-dC)-poly(dG-dC) of an antitumoral drug, pentaziridinocyclodiphosphathiazene (SOAz), inhibits the B----Z transition even at a ten-fold higher nickel concentration (4 mM). Possible implications for carcinogenesis are discussed.