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Antimutagenic effect of isocyanates and related compounds in Escherichia coli

Y Kawazoe, M Kato

    Gan
    |April 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Acylating agents like isocyanates and isothiocyanates show antimutagenic properties against UV-induced mutations in wild-type bacteria. This effect is linked to DNA repair mechanisms and enzyme inactivation, not X-ray mutagenesis.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Molecular Biology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Isocyanates and isothiocyanates are known to inactivate enzymes involved in carcinogen metabolism and DNA repair.
    • These compounds have demonstrated a reduction in the mutability of Escherichia coli B under UV irradiation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the antimutagenic effects of acylating agents, including isocyanates and isothiocyanates, and antioxidants.
    • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed antimutagenicity, particularly concerning DNA repair and mutagenesis.

    Main Methods:

    • Testing the antimutagenic effects of acylating agents on UV- and X-ray-induced mutagenesis.
    • Comparing the effects on wild-type bacterial strains versus those deficient in DNA excision repair.

    Main Results:

    • The antimutagenic effect was observed for UV-induced mutagenesis but not for X-ray-induced mutagenesis.
    • The effect was significant in the wild-type strain (H/r30R) but absent in the excision repair-deficient strain (Hs30R).
    • The carbamoylating ability of these agents is a potential mechanism, possibly by enhancing DNA repair or inactivating mutagenic enzymes.

    Conclusions:

    • The antimutagenicity of isocyanates and isothiocyanates is dependent on functional DNA excision repair pathways.
    • These compounds may act by prolonging the lag phase before DNA replication, allowing more time for repair.
    • Inactivation of enzymes involved in mutagenic activation contributes to their antimutagenic and potentially anticarcinogenic properties.

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