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Comparative mutagenicity of linear and angular furocoumarins in Escherichia coli strains deficient in known repair

S Venturini, M Tamaro, C Monti-Bragadin

    Chemico-Biological Interactions
    |May 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study shows that both DNA monoadducts and crosslinks caused by furocoumarins are mutagenic in Escherichia coli. Linear furocoumarins like 8-methylpsoralen are more mutagenic than angular ones such as angelicin.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Molecular Biology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Furocoumarins are plant-derived compounds known to interact with DNA.
    • Their mutagenic potential is linked to DNA damage, including monoadducts and crosslinks.
    • Understanding their effects on DNA repair mechanisms is crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the mutagenic activity of linear and angular furocoumarins.
    • To assess the role of DNA repair systems in furocoumarin-induced mutagenesis.
    • To compare the mutagenic efficiency of different furocoumarin structures.

    Main Methods:

    • Testing four furocoumarins (psoralen, 8-methyl-psoralen, angelicin, 4,5'-dimethyl-angelicin) for mutagenesis.
    • Utilizing wild-type Escherichia coli B and strains deficient in DNA repair.
    • Analyzing the formation of DNA monoadducts and crosslinks.

    Main Results:

    • Both DNA monoadducts and crosslinks induced by furocoumarins were found to be mutagenic.
    • The mutagenic efficiency followed the order: 8-methylpsoralen > psoralen > angelicin > 4,5'-dimethyl-angelicin.
    • Mutagenesis occurred in both wild-type and DNA repair-deficient E. coli strains.

    Conclusions:

    • Furocoumarin-induced DNA damage, including monoadducts and crosslinks, directly contributes to mutagenesis.
    • Linear furocoumarins exhibit higher mutagenic potential compared to angular isomers.
    • DNA repair pathways influence, but do not eliminate, furocoumarin-induced mutations.

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