Incorporation of 5-fluorouracil into RNA by Mycobacterium avium complex strain LM1

The incorporation of 5-fluorouracil (FUra) into RNA of Mycobacterium avium complex strain LM1 was evaluated. Cells were labeled with either [14C]FUra or [3H]uracil and the ribonucleosides were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The identification of the ribonucleosides was facilitated by the use of an isocratic system that provided unambiguous identification of the RNA pyrimidine components. Uracil was incorporated into RNA as uridine, but an equal amount was converted to cytidine. [14C]FUra was incorporated directly into RNA as 5-fluorouridine and there was no evidence of its conversion to other pyrimidines. The ratio of 5-fluorouridine:uridine was 2.8-fold greater for cells grown in 100 micrograms FUra/mL than for cells grown in 20 micrograms FUra/mL. Analysis of the RNA nucleotides was performed and deoxyribonucleotides were present; DNA contamination was estimated to range from about 2 to 8% of the RNA preparations.