Abstract

We have determined the spectrum of base-pair substitution mutations induced in the lacI gene of a uvrB- strain of Escherichia coli by two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons--(+/-)7 alpha,8 beta-dihydroxy-9 beta,10 beta-epoxy-7,8,9,10 tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE), and 3,4-epoxycylopenta[cd]pyrene (CPPE). Approximately 10% of all lacI mutations induced by either BPDE or CPPE are nonsense mutations, suggesting that base-pair substitutions are a large fraction of the mutational events induced by these agents in the uvrB- bacteria. Both carcinogens specifically induced the G . C leads to T . A and, to a lesser extent, the A . T leads to T . A transversions. One possible mechanism for transversion induction at G . C sites by BPDE might involve carcinogen binding to the exocyclic amino group of guanine in the template strand followed by a rotation of the modified base around its glycosylic bond from the anti to the syn conformation. This could allow specific pairing of modified bases with an imino tautomer of adenine.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.