7] Copper-DNA adducts

Abstract

Publisher Summary Redox active metal ions, such as iron and copper play a central role in the formation of reactive oxygen species in biological systems. Although iron has received the most attention in this capacity, the role of copper may be particularly crucial because copper occurs naturally in chromosomes, where it is believed to play a role in the attachment of DNA to scafford proteins via the formation of metalloprotein bridges. This chapter describes methods for the investigation of DNA oxidation by bound copper ions in well-defined systems and suggests approaches for demonstrating the (possible) participation of endogenous copper ions in the mediation of damage to DNA in intact cells exposed to oxidants. In view of the increasing awareness of the role played by redox active metal ions and reactive oxygen species in the inducement of biomolecular damage and disease, it seems particularly remarkable that the interconversion of bound Cu(I) and Cu(II) ions play a role in the regulation of the conformation of a critical cellular target molecule, such as the DNA.