Biophysical investigation reveals polycyclic hydrocarbon diol-epoxides bind DNA at a 50-degree tilt, indicating non-classical binding mechanics in chemical carcinogenesis.
By the use of a novel electrofluorescence method, estimates have been made of the geometry of binding to DNA of racemic mixtures of the anti-diol-epoxide derivatives of three polycyclic hydrocarbon carcinogens. These anti-configurations bind in a manner consistent with the planar diol-epoxide ring's being inclined at approximately 50 degrees to the DNA axis. This is true for the derivatives of benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene and 3-methylcholanthrene. This binding is thus different from the regular intercalative interaction associated with the native hydrocarbons. As the (+ anti)-diol-epoxides are thought to be the initiatory compounds for carcinogenesis, the common binding characteristics for the three hydrocarbons may be significant in understanding the molecular interactions precursive to cancer.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ridler et al. (1986) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: