Biomedical subjects

O Popanda

Publications and source records attributed to O Popanda.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

A mutation in subunit B of the DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex from Novikoff hepatoma cells concomitant with a conformational change and abnormal catalytic properties of the DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex.

Mutated constituents of the DNA replication complex might contribute to the mutational load of the genome during tumor development by impairing DNA synthesis as well as cell cycle-related control of DNA replication. To prove or disprove this hypothesis, we looked for mutations in the cDNA sequences of the four subunits of DNA polymerase alpha-primase from both highly malignant Novikoff hepatoma cells and regenerating normal rat liver and compared physicochemical and catalytic properties of the DNA polymerase alpha-primase complexes purified from both sources. Sequence analysis showed two mutations in subunit B from Novikoff cells: one in nucleotide position 855 (CCG-->CCA) that did not result in an amino acid exchange and one in position 862 (GTG-->ATG) that caused a change of valine to methionine in codon 288. No mutation was found in the three other subunits. The wild-type and mutated sequences of subunit B were cloned and expressed in vitro. Sedimentation analysis of the expressed polypeptides revealed different sedimentation constants, indicating that the amino acid exchange affected the conformation of subunit B. The analysis of the purified DNA polymerase alpha-primase complexes showed a sedimentation value that was significantly higher for the enzyme complex from normal liver than for that from Novikoff cells. In addition, DNA polymerase alpha-primase complexes from Novikoff cells showed higher sensitivity to camptothecin, topotecan, and structurally related compounds (such as (R,S)-7-ethyl-10-hydroxy camptothecin, 9-aminocamptothecin, and 10-hydroxycamptothecin) than the enzyme from normal rat liver. Thus, the amino acid change found in subunit B appears to result in a conformational change of the DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex from Novikoff hepatoma cells. Whether this mutation influences genetic instability or tumor development needs to be explored.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Mutation analysis of replicative genes encoding the large subunits of DNA polymerase alpha and replication factors A and C in human sporadic colorectal cancers.

We examined cDNAs of the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase alpha (185 kDa), the 70 kDa subunit of replication protein A (single-stranded DNA-binding protein) and the 140 kDa subunit of replication factor C for mutations. Surgical specimens from 12 patients with sporadic colon cancer and normal mucosae from the same patients were investigated. In addition, we analyzed 3 human colon cancer cell lines that exhibited defects in mismatch repair (DLD-1, HCT116, SW48) and 3 colon cancer cell lines without such a defect (HT29, SW480 and SW620). For detection of mutations, we used reverse transcription of mRNA, amplification of cDNAs by PCR, analysis of single-strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing. Eleven colon cancers and 6 colon cancer cell lines were analyzed for DNA polymerase alpha. Only 2 silent point mutations were detected, in 1 colon carcinoma and in cell line HCT116. Two sequence alterations of the 70 kDa subunit of replication factor A were identified in 15 specimens (9 colon carcinomas and 6 cell lines). Colon carcinomas from 2 patients (CC5MA and CC25HN) exhibited an ACA-->GCA transition in codon 351, which caused a Thr-->Ala exchange. In carcinomas CC5MA and CC8MA, a TCC-->TCT (Ser-->Ser) transition in codon 352 was observed. The deviations in codons 351 and 352 occurred in both cancer tissues and normal mucosae, suggesting a genetic polymorphism. No mutation was found in the 140 kDa subunit of replication factor C from 16 specimens (10 tumors and 6 cell lines). Point mutations were identified in the p53 tumor-suppressor gene in 4 of the 6 colon cancer cell lines and 3 of the 8 carcinoma specimens. We did not find tumor-associated DNA sequence alterations that resulted in amino acid changes in the DNA replication genes analyzed. We infer that the scarcity of mutations found is due to stringent selection, eliminating functionally impaired replication proteins.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗

PubMed1999

Detection of mutations in the DNA polymerase delta gene of human sporadic colorectal cancers and colon cancer cell lines.

To test the hypothesis whether DNA polymerases acquire mutator properties during tumor development (mutator hypothesis), we examined DNA polymerase delta mRNA in 6 colon cancer cell lines (DLD-1, HCT116, SW48, HT29, SW480 and SW620) and 7 sporadic human colorectal cancers. For analysis we used amplification of cDNA by polymerase chain reaction, single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing techniques. In 5 of the cell lines, 9 mutations leading to changes of the amino acid sequence of DNA polymerase delta were detected. Most mutations were found in the cell lines DLD-1, HCT116 and SW48 for which defects in mismatch repair genes had been identified previously. In the majority of cases, wild type and mutated sequences were present. In 2 cell lines (HCT116 and SW48), a single-nucleotide deletion occurred at the same position. This resulted in a premature termination codon by which the DNA interaction domain of the enzyme was eliminated. Furthermore, sequence deviations were found in the tumor tissues of 4 colon cancer patients. Wild-type and altered sequences were present simultaneously. The deviations included missense mutations (2 cases) and silent mutations (2 cases). The missense mutations and one of the silent mutations were found in normal mucosa as well. In addition, the mutation clustered region of a tumor suppressor gene, often found to be defective in colon cancer, the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, was investigated in surgical specimens and cell lines. One carcinoma and 2 cell lines exhibited amino acid changes in both the DNA polymerase delta gene and in the mutation clustered region of the APC gene. Since most of the mutations detected in the DNA polymerase delta mRNA are likely to alter the structure of the protein, the enzyme is expected to be functionally impaired. In particular, copying fidelity might be decreased, thus contributing to the high mutation rate observed in colorectal cancer.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Subnuclear distribution of DNA topoisomerase I and Bax protein in normal and xeroderma pigmentosum fibroblasts after irradiation with UV light and gamma rays or treatment with topotecan.

Immunohistochemical methods were used to determine abundance and subnuclear distribution of DNA topoisomerase I and the Bax protein in normal and excision-repair-deficient xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) fibroblasts after irradiation of cells with gamma rays or UV light, or exposure to the topoisomerase I inhibitor topotecan. DNA topoisomerase I and Bax were monitored using antisera raised against the human proteins. In addition, topoisomerases IIalpha and IIbeta were made visible with specific antibodies. In untreated cells, DNA topoisomerase I was found to occur in the cytoplasm and in nucleoli. Irradiation with gamma rays (2-12 Gy) or UV light (0.3-1.2 mW/cm2) changed the staining pattern in nuclei such that a multitude of small topoisomerase-I-rich centers occurred, which were evenly distributed over the karyoplasm. Simultaneously nucleoli disintegrated. Treatment of fibroblasts with topotecan (6-100 microM concentrations) resulted in similar alterations although the changes were much more pronounced. Combinations of topotecan and gamma irradiation caused additive effects. We conclude that the increase in the number of topoisomerase-I-positive spots and the high fluorescence intensity of the latter may reflect three biological processes: (i) enhanced transcriptional activity (e.g. of DNA damage response genes), (ii) tagging of damaged DNA sites for repair, or (iii) initiation of apoptosis. In separate assays using normal and XP cells, a dose-dependent increase in protein reacting with Bax antibody was observed in nuclei, following treatment with gamma rays or topotecan. In addition, topotecan induced a netlike arrangement of this Bax protein in nuclei. The meshes of the net structure resembled vesicles. DNA staining with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride revealed that the vesicle-type structures contained DNA. Upon further incubation with topotecan, cells showing the netlike Bax arrangement eventually died. We conclude that topotecan-induced changes made visible by nuclear Bax protein are associated with apoptosis. XP cells, when treated with topotecan, responded more readily than normal cells with both an increase in nuclear Bax protein and rearrangement of Bax, indicating that UV repair functions may be required to process DNA damage inflicted by topotecan. Monitoring of DNA topoisomerases IIalpha and IIbeta in gamma-irradiated cells with antibodies revealed a dramatic increase in the IIalpha form and a redistribution of the IIbeta form representing fragmentation of nucleoli.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

A mutation detected in DNA polymerase delta cDNA from Novikoff hepatoma cells correlates with abnormal catalytic properties of the enzyme.

Tumor development is characterized by accumulation of mutations. Such mutations, if induced by carcinogens in DNA polymerase genes, would confer mutator properties on the DNA replication machinery, even at later stages of development. To investigate whether DNA polymerase delta can be mutated, we compared these enzymes from highly malignant Novikoff hepatoma cells and from regenerating normal rat liver. We sequenced the DNA polymerase delta cDNA from both sources and investigated the physico-chemical properties, inhibition characteristics, and copying fidelity of the purified enzymes. The cDNA sequences examined included the entire reading frame encoding the catalytic subunit (subunit I) of DNA polymerase delta. First-strand cDNAs were prepared from total RNA of both normal rat liver and Novikoff cells by reverse transcription, and the polymerase delta sequences were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. cDNA (3325 bp) were sequenced. A single heterozygous mutation (CGG --> CAG) has been detected in nucleotide position 1948 (codon 648) of the polymerase delta gene from Novikoff cells, resulting in an Arg to Gln change. Position 648 lies just proximal to the conserved region VI, which is part of the "fingers" subdomain of alpha-like polymerases. This subdomain is involved in dNTP binding. Upon comparison of biochemical characteristics of partially purified DNA polymerase delta from both Novikoff cells and rat liver, the following properties of the enzyme from Novikoff cells were found to be altered: (i) K(50) values for nucleotide analogs (e.g. butylphenyl-dGTP) were lower, (ii) sensitivity to various antineoplastic drugs (e.g. doxorubicin, topotecan and distamycin) was enhanced, (iii) copying fidelity was decreased when primer templates containing O(6)-methylguanine were used, and (iv) the activity of DNA polymerase delta from Novikoff tumor cells was less stimulated by lactate dehydrogenase than the enzyme from normal cells. The altered biochemical characteristics of DNA polymerase delta from Novikoff cells suggest mutator properties. We conclude that the point mutation detected in the cDNA might be causally related to the observed changes in inhibition characteristics and copying fidelity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Modulation of DNA polymerases alpha, delta and epsilon by lactate dehydrogenase and 3-phosphoglycerate kinase.

Literature documents that glycolytic enzymes (among them lactate dehydrogenase and 3-phosphoglycerate kinase) can reside in nuclei of mammalian cells and exert functions in DNA replication, transcription and DNA repair, in addition to their role as catalysts in the cytoplasm. Transfer of glycolytic enzymes to cell nuclei requires modification, for example phosphorylation. We studied the effects of phosphorylated lactate dehydrogenase and 3-phosphoglycerate kinase on (i) UV-induced DNA repair, using permeabilized human fibroblasts, and (ii) in vitro DNA synthesis catalyzed by purified DNA polymerases alpha, delta, and epsilon from proliferating rat liver. (i) Phosphorylated lactate dehydrogenase stimulated UV-induced DNA repair synthesis in normal fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner; the unphosphorylated enzyme slightly inhibited. In repair-deficient xeroderma pigmentosum fibroblasts reparative synthesis was not enhanced whether lactate dehydrogenase was phosphorylated or not, indicating that reparative DNA synthesis must be possible in order to be stimulated. (ii) Activity of purified DNA polymerases alpha, delta, and epsilon was differentially stimulated or inhibited, according to the phosphorylation status of lactate dehydrogenase. DNA polymerases were also modulated by 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, depending on the primer-templates used which were gapped DNA (mimicking a repair mode of DNA synthesis) or single-stranded M13 DNA (representing the replicative mode of DNA synthesis). Since glycolytic enzymes in cell nuclei retain binding ability for their cofactors, cytoplasmic substrates and inhibitors, a regulatory linkage might exist between the energy state of a cell and its replicative and reparative functions.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Doxorubicin and gamma rays increase the level of DNA topoisomerase IIalpha in nuclei of normal and xeroderma pigmentosum fibroblasts.

DNA topoisomerase IIalpha was monitored with the monoclonal antibody Ki-S1 in human fibroblasts after irradiation of cells with gamma rays from a 137Cs source or treatment with the DNA topoisomerase II inhibitor doxorubicin. DNA topoisomerase IIalpha was localized immunohistochemically as bright fluorescent dots in the karyoplasm. The fibroblasts investigated originated from normal human donors and a xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patient (XP12BE). All cell lines examined showed a time- and dose-dependent increase in DNA topoisomerase IIalpha abundance after irradiation or treatment with doxorubicin. No principal difference in response was seen between normal and XP fibroblasts towards either treatment alone. After irradiation with 9 Gy, the effect was detectable after as little as 30 min and lasted for at least 6 h. After doxorubicin treatment, topoisomerase II overexpression occurred within less than 2 h. It passed through a maximum and began to decrease after approximately 6 h. In principle, the increase in DNA topoisomerase IIalpha may result from (i) architectural changes of interphase chromatin leading to enhanced accessibility of preformed enzyme to the antibody, (ii) enhanced gene expression, or (iii) enhanced stabilization of mRNA or protein molecules. The increase in enzyme levels may be part of the well-known DNA damage responses that operate in cell-protective or DNA-reparative pathways. Thus, the action of DNA topoisomerase II would serve to catalyze preparatory steps in DNA repair. We also found overexpression of the Bax protein and p16 predominantly in treated XP cells, suggesting that the DNA-damaging protocols elicited signals for apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. From the simultaneous increase in DNA topoisomerase IIalpha and Bax, one may conclude that DNA topoisomerase IIalpha also plays role in apoptosis.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗

PubMed1998

Irradiation with ultraviolet light and gamma-rays increases the level of DNA topoisomerase II in nuclei of normal and xeroderma pigmentosum fibroblasts.

DNA topoisomerase II was monitored with the monoclonal antibody Ki-S1 in human fibroblasts after irradiation of cells with 254-nm UV light and -rays from a 137Cs source. DNA topoisomerase II was localized immunohistochemically as bright fluorescent dots in the karyoplasm. Investigated fibroblasts originated from normal human donors and a xeroderma pigmentosum patient (XP12BE). All cell lines showed a time and dose-dependent increase in DNA topoisomerase II abundance after irradiation. The increase may reflect enhanced accessibility of the enzyme, enhanced gene expression or enhanced stabilization of mRNA or protein molecules. The effect was detectable as early as 1 h after irradiation at doses 3 J/m2 or 3 Gy. It passed through a maximum and decreased within 18 h (UV light) or 6 h ( -rays). Except for the duration of the response, no principal differences were seen between the effects caused by UV light and those elicited by -rays. The increase in enzyme levels might be part of the well-known DNA damage responses which operate in cell-protective or DNA-reparative pathways or may reflect initiation of apoptosis. DNA topoisomerase I was detected with a commercially available polyclonal antibody raised against human DNA topoisomerase I. In unirradiated cells, DNA topoisomerase I was found to be mainly concentrated in nucleoli. Irradiation with -rays changed the staining pattern in that it caused a multitude of DNA topoisomerase I-rich centers to occur which may reflect sites of transcription of radiation-inducible genes.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed1997

Evidence for reduced copying fidelity of DNA polymerases alpha, delta, and epsilon from Novikoff hepatoma cells.

To investigate whether or not DNA polymerases alpha, delta, and epsilon from tumor cells have acquired properties that might be responsible for mutations found in tumor development, we investigated copying fidelities of DNA polymerases alpha, delta, and epsilon from the highly malignant Novikoff hepatoma cells and compared them to the corresponding enzymes from normal rat liver. DNA polymerases were purified more than 300-fold by three chromatographic steps. Copying fidelity was studied using steady-state kinetics and an 18-mer oligonucleotide primed with a 12-mer (13-mer for extension experiments) as DNA primer-template. Three experimental approaches were chosen: i) extension of DNA primers with mismatched 3'-OH ends opposite dGMP, ii) DNA insertion of nucleotides opposite m6G in the template and iii) extension of DNA primers with mismatched 3'-OH ends opposite m6G. i) Extension of DNA primers with mismatched 3'-OH ends opposite dGMP. DNA primer templates containing G:T and G:A mispairs at the 3'-OH position of the primer were easily extended by DNA polymerases alpha, delta and epsilon from both normal rat liver and Novikoff hepatoma cells. The G:G mismatch was elongated with low efficiency. Notably, DNA polymerase alpha from Novikoff hepatoma cells extended G:A and G:G mismatches significantly faster than the enzyme from normal cells. ii) Insertion of nucleotides opposite m6G. DNA polymerases alpha, delta, and epsilon from normal rat liver preferably catalyzed incorporation of dAMP opposite m6G at dNTP concentrations < 100 microM. When dNTP concentrations were raised to > or = 100 microM, dCMP (DNA polymerases delta and epsilon) and dTMP (DNA polymerase alpha) were also incorporated. The same insertion characteristics were found for the enzymes from Novikoff cells, however, insertion efficiencies of dAMP and dCMP were significantly higher for polymerases delta and epsilon. iii) Extension of primers with mismatched 3'-OH ends opposite m6G. Only m6G:dAMP and m6G:dCMP mismatches were extended by DNA polymerases alpha, delta and epsilon from both sources. No differences in extension efficiency were observed between the enzymes from normal and hepatoma cells. Taken together, our results suggest that DNA polymerases alpha, delta, and epsilon from Novikoff cells catalyzed incorporation of the wrong nucleotides more readily and extended mismatches more easily. These results may provide a rationale why numerous mutations accumulate during tumor development.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Preferential inhibition of DNA polymerases alpha, delta, and epsilon from Novikoff hepatoma cells by inhibitors of cell proliferation.

DNA polymerases alpha, delta and epsilon from normal regenerating rat liver and Novikoff hepatoma cells were purified about 300-fold, characterized, and checked for sensitivity towards drugs known to inhibit cell proliferation. Characterization included (a) identification of associated proteins, (b) measurement of physiochemical constants (including sedimentation coefficients, diffusion coefficients, calculation of relative molecular masses), (c) quantification of catalytic activities using specific DNA primer templates (Km values) and specific inhibitors (Ki values), and (d) discrimination between DNA polymerases from normal cells and those from malignant cells using inhibitors of cell proliferation. (a) DNA primase associated with DNA polymerase alpha, and 3'-5' exonuclease accompanying DNA polymerases delta and epsilon had similar activities. (b) Comparison of physicochemical and catalytic properties of DNA polymerases from both sources revealed similarities but also some important differences. Sedimentation and diffusion coefficients of DNA polymerases alpha and epsilon from malignant cells differed significantly. (c) The DNA-binding domain of DNA polymerases alpha and epsilon from hepatoma cells was altered since Km values, determined with several specific DNA primer-templates, were higher. Furthermore, dNTP-binding sites of DNA polymerases from malignant cells, when probed with specific inhibitors (aphidicolin, butylphenyl-dGTP, carbonyldiphosphonate, and dideoxy-TTP) showed significantly lower Ki values, indicating lower affinity to deoxyribonucleoside 5'-triphosphates. (d) Sixteen drugs representative of various modes of interaction with DNA and protein were chosen. Dose/response experiments were performed and the concentration at which the polymerizing activity was reduced to 50% was calculated (K50 values). Preferential inhibition of DNA polymerases alpha, delta, and epsilon from Novikoff hepatoma cells was found for: the intercalating drugs doxorubicin, daunorubicin, amsacrine, mitoxantrone, quinacrine and ethidium bromide, the minor-groove binders distamycin and netropsin, the ATPase-blocking agents novobiocin and coumamycin, and the topoisomerase I inhibitors camptothecin and topotecan. When the sensitivity of polymerases delta and epsilon was measured using poly(dA.dT) as a primer-template, the preferential inhibition of the enzymes from malignant cells was even more pronounced. Drugs known to trap the DNA-topoisomerase-II complex, etoposide, nalidixic acid, teniposide, and merbarone did not affect DNA polymerases irrespective of the source. Since the majority of the inhibitors used, particularly intercalators and minor-groove binders, act by modification of the primer-template, inhibition of DNA synthesis must have occurred through weakening of non-covalent bonds between DNA and catalytic polypeptides. Consequently, preferential inhibition of DNA polymerases from malignant cells seems to be indicative of abnormally diminished binding of the enzymes to their primer-templates. This effect may be caused by conformational alterations in polymerases from malignant cells which affect the DNA binding domains. Similarly, changes in physicochemical and kinetic constants are indicative of alterations of dNTP-binding domains.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

DNA polymerases alpha, delta, and epsilon of Novikoff hepatoma cells differ from those of normal rat liver in physicochemical and catalytic properties.

To investigate whether DNA replication in malignant cells deviates from that of normal cells we compared DNA polymerases alpha, delta, and epsilon from normal rat liver to the enzymes from fast-growing (malignant) Novikoff hepatoma cells. DNA polymerases were purified 300-fold by three chromatographic steps. Characterization included measurement of physicochemical constants (including sedimentation coefficients, diffusion coefficients, calculation of relative molecular masses), quantitation of catalytic activities using specific DNA primer templates (Km values) and inhibitors (Ki values), and identification of polypeptides which are strongly associated with DNA polymerases. Comparison of physicochemical and catalytic properties of DNA polymerases from both sources revealed similarities but also some important differences. DNA primase associated with DNA polymerase alpha, and 3'-5' exonuclease accompanying DNA polymerases delta and epsilon had similar activities. In contrast, the DNA-binding domain of DNA polymerases alpha and epsilon from hepatoma cells was altered since Km values, determined with the specific primer templates gapped calf thymus DNA and poly(dA.dT), were higher. Furthermore, sedimentation and diffusion coefficients, Stokes' radii, and frictional coefficient ratios of DNA polymerases alpha and epsilon from malignant cells significantly deviated. In addition, when the dNTP-binding sites were probed with specific inhibitors (aphidicolin, butylphenyl-dGTP, carbonyldiphosphonate, and dideoxy-TTP), significantly lower Ki values were obtained for the polymerases from Novikoff cells indicating lower affinity of the dNTP binding site to deoxyribonucleoside 5'-triphosphates. Altered catalytic and molecular properties are possibly a consequence of malignant transformation. It is to be expected that similar changes occur in DNA polymerases of other tumors. In particular, diminished affinity to primer templates and weakened nucleotide binding leads to lowered specificity of nucleotide selection in the base-pairing process and is therefore likely to cause an enhanced mutation rate during malignant progression.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

DNA repair synthesis following irradiation with 254-nm and 312-nm ultraviolet light is not diminished in fibroblasts from patients with dysplastic nevus syndrome.

The DNA excision repair capacity of 23 primary fibroblast lines from patients with dysplastic nevus syndrome was investigated and DNA repair synthesis ("unscheduled DNA synthesis") was determined after UV exposure. Seventeen fibroblast lines from normal donors served as controls. The dose/response experiments included up to ten dose levels and two wavelength ranges: UV-C (using a low-pressure mercury lamp emitting predominantly 254-nm light) and UV-B (artificial "sunlamp" radiation centering around 312-nm light). For each dose level, silver grains over fibroblast nuclei were counted by visual inspection. Twelve cell lines were also evaluated for both UV wavelength ranges using a new semi-automatic image analyzing system. This system included components for rapid sequential identification of both fibroblast nuclei and silver grains sited above them. Silver grains over 100 nuclei were determined for each UV dose level. Dose/response curves were established and analyzed by linear regression. As a quantitative term for assessing DNA excision repair capacity of a cell line we calculated the linear increase (G0) in the number of grains per nucleus, when the UV dose was multiplied by the factor e (i.e. 2.72). The sensitivity of grain detection and resolution of overlapping grains was approximately threefold better in visual than in automatic counting, especially when there were more than 70 grains over nuclei. The time required for visual counting, however, was tenfold that of automatic counting. The variance-weighted mean G0v.w of all fibroblast lines from patients with dysplastic nevus syndrome was found to be 79.1 (+/- 1.8- grains/nucleus, that of fibroblast lines from normal donors was 74.2 (+/- 1.7) grains/nucleus. This difference revealed a slightly better repair capability for cell lines from patients but was at the borderline of detection and, therefore, should not be overinterpreted. From the experimental accuracy achieved by determination of the variance-weighted means of the two groups, we would have been able to detect a difference of 7 and more grains [> 2 x (sigma normal+sigma patients)]. The variance-weighted mean G0v.w of all fibroblast lines from patients with dysplastic nevus syndrome was found to be 76.4 (+/- 1.4) grains/nucleus, whereas that of fibroblast lines from normal donors was only 66.6 (+/- 1.8) grains/nucleus. This difference was statistically significant and, contrary to expectation, revealed better, not worse post-UV DNA repair capability in cell lines from patients that in those from normal donors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Autoradiography↗

PubMed1994

Expression of mitochondrial genes and DNA-repair-related nuclear genes is altered in xeroderma pigmentosum fibroblasts.

Differential hybridization was used to detect repair defects in xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) that are not amenable to current analyses. cDNA libraries were constructed from cytoplasmic RNA of normal and XP fibroblast strains (complementation groups A and D) and analyzed for differential gene expression. More than 40,000 lambda gt10 cDNA clones were differentially screened with in vitro transcripts made from cDNA in the pBluescript vector. Six differential clones were detected in the libraries of the XP group A and D strains which caused stronger or weaker signals when probed with transcripts from XP strains than with those from the normal strains. Two clones coded for mitochondrial genes: mitochondrial 16 S rRNA and ATPase 6L. Overexpression of mitochondrial genes in XP may indicate that functions of the ATP-generating system are impaired since such functions are intensified whenever they become insufficient, for example as a consequence of DNA damage. It is tempting to assume that abnormal mitochondria are one of the causes for the neurological malfunctions in XP. Furthermore, densitometric analysis of Northern blots revealed that mRNA of lactate dehydrogenase, chain M, was less abundant in four XP group A strains (extent of reduction: 70%) and in two XP group D strains (extent of reduction: 58%). Enzyme activity was also diminished. In addition, mRNA of the gene for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was less expressed in the same XP group A and D fibroblast strains investigated (reduction in both complementation groups: 50%). Both glycolytic enzymes have nuclear functions apart from their role in sugar metabolism. Lactate dehydrogenase, chain M, is identical to a helix-destabilizing protein; it is closely associated with chromatin and unfolded DNA, suggesting a role in DNA synthesis and transcription. The 37-kDa subunit of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is involved in transcription and was shown to be identical to uracil-DNA glycosylase, a base-excision repair enzyme. We presume that the nuclear functions of these glycolytic enzymes may be thwarted in the XP strains investigated and may account for malfunctions in XP, particularly for neurological disturbances.

Blotting, Northern↗

PubMed1993

Various inhibitors of DNA topoisomerases diminish repair-specific DNA incision in UV-irradiated human fibroblasts.

A function for topoisomerases I and II in DNA excision repair can be postulated from the organization of the mammalian chromosome, involving nucleosomal structures and matrix-attached DNA loops. To analyse this function we determined UV-induced DNA incision in confluent human fibroblasts in the presence of 16 inhibitors of topoisomerases I and II which belonged to at least five different drug categories, based on their mechanism of action. Dose-response experiments were performed, analysed by linear regression and the concentrations at which DNA-incising activity was reduced to 50% were calculated (K50 values). The majority of these values represent concentrations for which interfering cell toxicity could be excluded. K50 concentrations, which were determined by extrapolating dose-response data, may hit the toxicity range, nevertheless, we deem our K50 scale useful for making biochemical comparisons. With respect to topoisomerase I, camptothecin and topotecan diminished repair-specific DNA incision to a small extent, whereas distamycin, which binds to the minor groove of DNA, caused a stronger effect. With respect to topoisomerase II the results were as follows. (i) The DNA intercalator ethidium bromide decreased DNA-incising activity at rather low concentrations, which indicates marked inhibitory potency. Quinacrine was less effective. (ii) Inhibitors intercalating and binding to the 'cleavable' DNA-topoisomerase complex (m-AMSA, mitoxantrone, doxorubicin and daunorubicin) strongly suppressed reparative DNA incision. (iii) Only small effects were observed using several drugs which act by trapping the 'cleavable' DNA-enzyme complex, namely nalidixic acid and oxolinic acid. In contrast, etoposide and teniposide inhibited post-UV DNA cleavage sizeably. (iv) Merbarone had to be applied at very high concentrations to reduce UV-induced DNA incision. (v) Novobiocin, an inhibitor of the ATPase subunit of topoisomerase II, markedly diminished repair-specific DNA cleavage. A comparison of the K50 values for DNA incision with those for DNA repair synthesis (1) shows that the majority of the investigated drugs inhibited both repair parameters. There were, however, differences in the concentrations required to achieve the 50% inhibition level. The results are best explained by assuming that in UV-irradiated human fibroblasts the 180 kd form of topoisomerase II is a target enzyme for inhibitors which suppressed repair and that this isozyme is involved in steps preceding repair-specific DNA incision.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1992

The function of DNA polymerases in DNA repair synthesis of ultraviolet-irradiated human fibroblasts.

Ultraviolet-induced DNA repair synthesis was measured in saponin-permeabilized normal human fibroblasts by the incorporation of [alpha-32P]dTMP into DNA. The involvement of DNA polymerases alpha, beta, delta, and epsilon in excision repair of pyrimidine dimers was examined using specific inhibitors. Dose-response curves resulting from experiments with up to 12 different inhibitor concentrations were analyzed by linear regression. Inhibitor concentrations at which repair activity was reduced to 50% were calculated. The following K50 values were found: aphidicolin, 0.2 microM; ddTTP, 12.5 microM; butylphenyl-dGTP, 7.6 microM; butylanilino-dATP, 6.0 microM. Comparison of K50 values with in vitro Ki values of DNA polymerases revealed that in permeabilized human fibroblasts reparative DNA synthesis is catalyzed by DNA polymerase delta and by DNA polymerase epsilon.

Cell Membrane Permeability↗

PubMed1992

The function of DNA topoisomerases in UV-induced DNA excision repair: studies with specific inhibitors in permeabilized human fibroblasts.

Fifteen specific inhibitors of DNA topoisomerases I and II were used to elucidate whether these enzymes participate in the excision repair of UV-induced DNA damage, monitoring DNA repair synthesis in confluent saponin-permeabilized human fibroblasts. To achieve a sufficient degree of accuracy dose--response experiments were performed, analysed by linear regression, and the concentrations at which repair activity was reduced to 50% were calculated and designated K50. Camptothecin, a specific inhibitor of topoisomerase I did not markedly diminish DNA repair synthesis. Similarly, when combined with topoisomerase II inhibitors [nalidixic acid, oxolinic acid, 4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin-9-(4,6-O-ethylidene-beta-D-glucop yra noside) (etoposide), 4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin-thenylidene-beta-D-glucoside (teniposide), 1,4-dihydroxy-5,8-bis ((2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl)amino)-9,10-anthracenedione (mitoxantrone), 5-(N-phenyl-carboxamido)-2-thiobarbituric acid (merbarone) or 4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (m-AMSA)], it did not lower K50 values determined for topoisomerase II-specific drugs in separate experiments. The effects observed can be classified according to the mechanism of action the inhibitors exhibit. (i) Novobiocin and coumermycin, inhibitors of the ATPase subunit of topoisomerase II, completely reduced DNA repair synthesis. (ii) Inhibition of repair was also found for ethidium bromide, quinacrine and distamycin, drugs known to modify the DNA substrate by intercalation or binding to the DNA minor groove. (iii) Inhibitors acting through intercalation and, simultaneously, binding to the cleavable DNA-topoisomerase complex (m-AMSA, mitoxantrone, doxorubicin and daunorubicin) also suppressed reparative DNA synthesis. (iv) Only small effects were observed for etoposide, nalidixic acid and oxolinic acid, whereas teniposide caused marked inhibition of DNA repair synthesis. (v) Merbarone, a novel type of topoisomerase II inhibitor, blocked UV-induced DNA repair drastically. The results are best explained by assuming that in UV-irradiated human fibroblasts the 180 kDa form of topoisomerase II is the main target enzyme for inhibitors which suppressed DNA excision repair and that this isozyme is involved in steps preceding repair-specific DNA incision.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed1991

Clinical symptoms and DNA repair characteristics of xeroderma pigmentosum patients from Germany.

Sixty-one xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients living in the Federal Republic of Germany were investigated. Clinical symptoms were correlated with DNA repair parameters measured in fibroblasts grown from skin biopsies. Classification according to the international complementation groups revealed that of the 61 patients 3 belonged to group A, 26 to group C, 16 to group D, 3 to group E, and 2 to group F; 11 were of the XP variant type. A striking clinical aspect was the frequency of histogenetically different skin tumors varying from one XP complementation group to the other: squamous and basal cell carcinomas predominated in XP group C; lentigo maligna melanomas were most frequent in group D; basal cell carcinomas occurred preferentially in group E and XP variants. Three DNA repair parameters were determined for 46 fibroblast strains: colony-forming ability (D0); DNA repair synthesis (G0); and DNA-incising capacity (E0). Dose-response experiments with up to 13 dose levels were performed throughout to achieve sufficient experimental accuracy. DNA-damaging treatments included UV light, the "UV-like" carcinogen N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, and the alkylating carcinogens methyl methanesulfonate and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea. Comparison of clinical signs and repair data was made on the basis of D0, G0, and E0 values of both individual cell strains and weighted means of XP complementation groups. Despite considerable clinical and biochemical heterogeneity within complementation groups distinctive features emerged. In general, D0, G0, and E0 values of all XP strains investigated, including XP variants, were found to be reduced upon treatment with UV light or N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene. After treatment with UV light or N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, cell strains in which DNA-incising capacity was reduced also showed a similar reduction in both colony-forming ability and DNA repair synthesis. Consequently, the weighted mean D0, G0, and E0 values of XP complementation groups and XP variants correlated with each other. Furthermore, the onset of both early dermatological symptoms of XP and tumor growth correlated with the extent of DNA repair defects. Of 45 XP fibroblast strains checked for colony-forming ability after treatment with methyl methanesulfonate only 3 cell strains from group D were found to be more sensitive than normal controls, suggesting that overall repair in XP strains was equal to that in controls. Weighted means of DNA repair synthesis of XP complementation groups, however, showed reductions hinting at impaired excision of distinct alkylated bases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acetoxyacetylaminofluorene↗

PubMed1991

The effects of inhibitors of topoisomerase II and quinacrine on ultraviolet-light-induced DNA incision in normal and xeroderma pigmentosum fibroblasts.

The aim of our work was to investigate whether DNA topoisomerase II participates in the repair-specific incision of UV-irradiated genomic DNA. Therefore, the influence upon DNA incision of the topoisomerase II inhibitors (nalidixic and oxolinic acid, novobiocin and coumermycin A1) as well as the intercalating agent quinacrine has been measured in normal human fibroblasts using the alkaline elution technique. In addition, inhibition by novobiocin has been determined in fibroblast strains from 11 normal donors and from 16 xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients belonging to the complementation groups A, C, D, E, and XP variant. Nalidixic and oxolonic acid did not inhibit endonucleolytic cleavage, whereas novobiocin was a potent inhibitor of DNA incision. It was observed that in normal and in all XP strains 50% inhibition by novobiocin occurred on average in the dose range 315-590 microM. Since inhibition by novobiocin was not paralleled by that with the other topoisomerase II inhibitors nalidixic and oxolinic acid, it must be concluded that reduction of enzyme-catalysed breaks was not due to the participation of topoisomerase II in the incision step, but to the displacement of ATP at the binding site of the DNA-incising enzyme. This enzyme absolutely requires ATP as a cofactor for endonucleolytic cleavage. Quinacrine, however, inhibited DNA incision in normal fibroblasts at a mean Ki of 318 microM. Inhibition by this intercalating agent seems to be caused by structural perturbations in DNA, which render it a poor substrate for endonucleolytic cleavage.

Aminocoumarins↗