32P-postlabeling assay for free radical-induced DNA damage: the formamido remnant of thymine

A prominent lesion in DNA exposed to oxidative free radicals results from the degradation of thymine leaving a formamido remnant. A 32P-postlabeling assay has been developed for the detection of the formamido lesion. The assay is based on the circumstance that the lesion prevents hydrolysis by nuclease P1 of the phosphoester bond 3' to the damaged nucleoside. Thus, a nuclease P1 plus acid phosphatase digest of DNA generates mostly nucleosides whereas the formamido lesion is rendered as a modified dinucleoside monophosphate. Dinucleoside monophosphates, but not nucleosides, are apt substrates for 32P-postlabeling by polynucleotide kinase. The assay was applied to calf thymus DNA X-irradiated in oxygenated solution. The formamido lesion could be detected down to a dose of a few Gy.