32P-postlabelling analysis of small aromatic and of bulky non-aromatic DNA adducts

The 32P-postlabelling methodology for analysis of DNA adducts derived from carcinogens containing one aromatic ring (e.g., safrole, styrene oxide, benzene metabolites, 1-nitrosoindole-3-acetonitrile) or a bulky non-aromatic moiety (e.g., mitomycin C, diaziquone) is reviewed. Six steps are involved: digestion of DNA to 3'-nucleotides, enrichment of adducts, 32P-labelling of adducts, separation of labelled adducts by TLC, detection, and quantitation. The first step, DNA digestion with micrococcal nuclease and spleen phosphodiesterase, is applicable to DNA modified with most carcinogens independent of their size and structure. Of the two commonly used procedures for enrichment of aromatic adducts in DNA digests, the nuclease P1 treatment is substantially more effective than butanol extraction for small aromatic and bulky non-aromatic adducts. For initial purification of these adducts from unadducted material after 32P-labelling, multi-directional polyethyleneimine (PEI)-cellulose TLC using 1 M sodium phosphate, pH 6.0, as the D1 solvent is not suitable, because they are not retained on PEI-cellulose under these conditions. A higher concentration of sodium phosphate (e.g., 2.3 M) or development with D1 and D3 solvents in the same direction helps to retain adducts of safrole and of benzene metabolites. Also, transfer of adducts from multiple cut-outs above the origin after D1 chromatography, as adopted for analysis of I-compounds, is potentially applicable. However, initial purification by reverse-phase TLC, followed by in situ transfer and resolution by PEI-cellulose TLC has been found to be most effective for these adducts. Reverse-phase TLC at 4 degrees C or in a stronger salt solution further improves retention of some adducts (e.g., mitomycin C and diaziquone adducts). For adduct separation by PEI-cellulose TLC, salt solutions with or without urea are used.