Formation Of Xanthine Research Articles

Molecular Dockings and Molecular Dynamics Simulations Reveal the Potency of Different Inhibitors against Xanthine Oxidase

Xanthine oxidase (XO), which can catalyze the formation of xanthine or hypoxanthine to uric acid, is the most important target of gout. To explore the conformational changes for inhibitor binding, molecular dockings and molecular dynamics simulations were performed. Docking results indicated that three inhibitors had similar pose binding to XO. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the binding of three inhibitors influenced the secondary structure changes in XO. After binding to the inhibitor, the peptide Phe798-Leu814 formed different degrees of unhelix, while for the peptide Glu1065-Ser1075, only a partial helix region was formed when allopurinol was bound. Through the protein structure analysis in the simulation process, we found that the distance between the active residues Arg880 and Thr1010 was reduced and the distance between Glu802 and Thr1010 was increased after the addition of inhibitors. The above simulation results showed the similarities and differences of the interaction between the three inhibitors binding to the protein. MM-PBSA calculations suggested that, among three inhibitors, allopurinol had the best binding effect with XO followed by daidzin and puerarin. This finding was consistent with previous experimental data. Our results can provide some useful clues for further gout treatment research.

Nitrosative deamination of 2′-deoxyguanosine and DNA by nitrite, and antinitrosating activity of β-carboline alkaloids and antioxidants

Endogenous and dietary nitrite produces reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that react with DNA causing mutations. The nitrosation of 2′-deoxyguanosine (dGuo) and DNA with nitrite was studied under different conditions, and the reaction and degradation products identified and analysed by HPLC-DAD-MS. Nitrosative deamination of dGuo produced xanthine along with 2′-deoxyxanthosine whereas DNA afforded xanthine. Formation of xanthine increased with nitrite concentration and in low pH such as that of stomach. Xanthine was measured as a marker of nitrosation of dGuo and DNA, and it was subsequently used to study the antinitrosating activity of β-carboline alkaloids, and selected antioxidants. Food-occurring tetrahydro-β-carbolines (THβCs) decreased nitrosative deamination of dGuo and DNA under conditions simulating the stomach. Antinitrosating activity was also evidenced for flavonoids (catechin, quercetin) and indole (melatonin) antioxidants. Among THβCs the most active antinitrosating compounds were 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acids (THβC-3-COOHs) that reacted with nitrite to give N-nitroso derivatives as main products along with 3,4-dihydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acids and aromatic β-carbolines (norharman and harman). Antinitrosating activity of THβCs correlated well with the formation of N-nitroso-THβC-3-COOHs. These N-nitroso derivatives were stable at pH 7 but degraded in acid conditions affording nitrosating species.

Thermochemical Properties of Xanthine and Hypoxanthine Revisited

The standard molar enthalpies of formation of xanthine and hypoxanthine were measured by using high-precision combustion calorimetry. The standard molar enthalpies of sublimation of these compounds at 298.15 K were derived by the quartz-crystal microbalance technique. Limited thermodynamic data available in the literature are compared with our new experimental data. In addition, we use the G4 method to calculate the molar enthalpies of formation of xanthine and hypoxanthine in the gas phase. There is good agreement between the evaluated experimental data and the quantum-chemical calculations.

Evidence for purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) release from rat C6 glioma cells.

Intracellular purine turnover is mainly oriented to preserving the level of triphosphate nucleotides, fundamental molecules in vital cell functions that, when released outside cells, act as receptor signals. Conversely, high levels of purine bases and uric acid are found in the extracellular milieu, even in resting conditions. These compounds could derive from nucleosides/bases that, having escaped to cell reuptake, are metabolized by extracellular enzymes similar to the cytosolic ones. Focusing on purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) that catalyzes the reversible phosphorolysis of purine (deoxy)-nucleosides/bases, we found that it is constitutively released from cultured rat C6 glioma cells into the medium, and has a molecular weight and enzyme activity similar to the cytosolic enzyme. Cell exposure to 10μM ATP or guanosine triphosphate (GTP) increased the extracellular amount of all corresponding purines without modifying the levels/activity of released PNP, whereas selective activation of ATP P2Y1 or adenosine A2A metabotropic receptors increased PNP release and purine base formation. The reduction to 1% in oxygen supply (2h) to cells decreased the levels of released PNP, leading to an increased presence of extracellular nucleosides and to a reduced formation of xanthine and uric acid. Conversely, 2h cell re-oxygenation enhanced the extracellular amounts of both PNP and purine bases. Thus, hypoxia and re-oxygenation modulated in opposite manner the PNP release/activity and, thereby, the extracellular formation of purine metabolism end-products. In conclusion, extracellular PNP and likely other enzymes deputed to purine base metabolism are released from cells, contributing to the purinergic system homeostasis and exhibiting an important pathophysiological role.

Free radical pathways for the prebiotic formation of xanthine and isoguanine from formamide

Free radical pathways for the synthesis of xanthine and isoguanine from formamide were studied using density functional theory (B3LYP/6-311G(d,p)). The proposed mechanisms are complex and appropriate for the non-aqueous scenario of prebiotic reactions. Formation of the carbonyl bond in the nucleobases proceeds through enol-keto tautomerization since the direct formation of the CO bond is a highly endothermic step. The mechanisms show 2-amino-imidazole as a precursor for nucleobases and polyazaporphyrin. The proposed mechanisms contribute to a further understanding of the origin of biomolecules.

Chemical Nature and Reaction Mechanisms of the Molybdenum Cofactor of Xanthine Oxidoreductase

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), a complex flavoprotein, catalyzes the metabolic reactions leading from hypoxanthine to xanthine and from xanthine to urate, and both reactions take place at the molybdenum cofactor. The enzyme is a target of drugs for therapy of gout or hyperuricemia. We review the chemical nature and reaction mechanisms of the molybdenum cofactor of XOR, focusing on molybdenum-dependent reactions of actual or potential medical importance, including nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. It is now generally accepted that XOR transfers the water-exchangeable -OH ligand of the molybdenum atom to the substrate. The hydroxyl group at OH-Mo(IV) can be replaced by urate, oxipurinol and FYX-051 derivatives and the structures of these complexes have been determined by x-ray crystallography under anaerobic conditions. Although formation of NO from nitrite or formation of xanthine from urate by XOR is chemically feasible, it is not yet clear whether these reactions have any physiological significance since the reactions are catalyzed at a slow rate even under anaerobic conditions.

Cellular Protection During Oxidative Stress: A Potential Role for D-ribose and Antioxidants

ABSTRACTA healthy cellular system involves the maintenance of an intracellular metabolic balance. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are constantly produced as a normal product of cellular metabolism; however, during situations of cellular stress, these levels can increase dramatically with the potential to cause deleterious cellular structural and/or functional consequences. There is a significant elevation in these ROS following stressful situations, such as ischemia, hypoxia, high-intensity exercise, and in many diseases. To combat these ROS, neutralizing endogenous enzymes, as well as exogenous antioxidants, can aid in minimizing their potential untoward cellular effects. Exogenous reducing antioxidant agents, such as vitamin C and/or E, play a role in addressing these formed species; however, recent research has suggested that fruit seed extracts may provide additional cellular benefits beyond their antioxidant features. Furthermore, supplemental D-ribose enhances the recovery of high-energy phosphates following stress and appears to potentially offer additional benefits by reducing radical formation. Specifically, during periods of hypoxia/ischemia, supplemental D-ribose may play an inhibitory role in the breakdown of adenine nucleotides, influencing the subsequent formation of xanthine and uric acid compounds; and thereby affecting the release of superoxide anion radicals. The combination of D-ribose with reducing antioxidants may provide a more optimal state of cellular protection during and following times of oxidative stress.

Defects in purine nucleotide metabolism lead to substantial incorporation of xanthine and hypoxanthine into DNA and RNA

Deamination of nucleobases in DNA and RNA results in the formation of xanthine (X), hypoxanthine (I), oxanine, and uracil, all of which are miscoding and mutagenic in DNA and can interfere with RNA editing and function. Among many forms of nucleic acid damage, deamination arises from several unrelated mechanisms, including hydrolysis, nitrosative chemistry, and deaminase enzymes. Here we present a fourth mechanism contributing to the burden of nucleobase deamination: incorporation of hypoxanthine and xanthine into DNA and RNA caused by defects in purine nucleotide metabolism. Using Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae with defined mutations in purine metabolism in conjunction with analytical methods for quantifying deaminated nucleobases in DNA and RNA, we observed large increases (up to 600-fold) in hypoxanthine in both DNA and RNA in cells unable to convert IMP to XMP or AMP (IMP dehydrogenase, guaB; adenylosuccinate synthetase, purA, and ADE12), and unable to remove dITP/ITP and dXTP/XTP from the nucleotide pool (dITP/XTP pyrophosphohydrolase, rdgB and HAM1). Conversely, modest changes in xanthine levels were observed in RNA (but not DNA) from E. coli lacking purA and rdgB and the enzyme converting XMP to GMP (GMP synthetase, guaA). These observations suggest that disturbances in purine metabolism caused by known genetic polymorphisms could increase the burden of mutagenic deaminated nucleobases in DNA and interfere with gene expression and RNA function, a situation possibly exacerbated by the nitrosative stress of concurrent inflammation. The results also suggest a mechanistic basis for the pathophysiology of human inborn errors of purine nucleotide metabolism.

Formation of xanthine and the use of purine metabolites as a nitrogen source in Arabidopsis plants

In our recent paper in Plant J1, we described the remobilization of purine metabolites during natural and dark induced senescence in wild type and Atxdh1 mutant lines impaired in xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), a pivotal enzyme in the purine catabolism pathway. In the light of these observations and additional evidence shown here, we discuss the probable pathways leading to xanthine synthesis in Arabidopsis plants during senescence and the role that purine metabolites play as an ongoing source of nitrogen in plant growth.Addendum to: Brychkova G, Alikulov Z, Fluhr R, Sagi M. A critical role for ureides in dark and senescence-induced purine remobilization is unmasked in the Atxdh1 Arabidopsis mutant. Plant J 2008; 54:496–509.

Multigram-scale syntheses, stability, and photoreactions of A2A adenosine receptor antagonists with 8-styrylxanthine structure: potential drugs for Parkinson's disease.

The improved multigram-scale syntheses of the important 8-styrylxanthine A(2A) adenosine receptor antagonist MSX-2 (8), its water-soluble prodrug MXS-3 (9), and KW-6002 (16) are described. N-Alkylation reactions at different positions of uracil derivatives were optimized. Two different methods for xanthine formation from 6-amino-5-cinnamoylaminouracil precursors were investigated, (a) the elimination of water by alkaline catalysis and (b) hexamethyldisilazane as a condensing agent; the latter was found to be superior. The photosensitivity of 8-styrylxanthines was studied. The (E)-configurated stryrylxanthine MSX-2 (8) isomerized in diluted solution, and the resulting (Z)-isomer (10a) was isolated and characterized. Furthermore, we describe for the first time that solid 8-styrylxanthines can dimerize upon exposition to daylight or irradiation with UV light. The resulting cyclobutane derivatives with head-to-tail (syn) configuration exhibited a considerably lower A(2A) adenosine receptor affinity than their parent compounds. The dimerization product of MSX-2 was a moderately potent nonselective A(1) and A(2A) antagonist (K(i)(A(1)) = 273 nM, K(i) (A(2A)) = 175 nM) while the dimer of the related compound KW-6002 was inactive at A(1) and only weakly active at A(2A) adenosine receptors (K(i) = 1.57 microM). The light sensitivity of 8-styrylxanthine derivatives, not only in solution, but also in the solid state, has to be considered when using those compounds as pharmacological tools or drugs.

虚血後から開始した低脳温はラット一過性前脳虚血後に生じるヒドロキシラジカルの産生を抑制する

In this study we investigated the effect of postischemic hypothermia on ROS production following transient forebrain ischemia using an in vivo microdialysis technique. Forebrain ischemia was induced by bilateral carotid artery occlusion combined with hemorrhagic hypotension for 20 minutes in male Wistar rats. The body temperature was kept at 37°C during ischemia and controlled at either 32°C or 37°C after reperfusion. The amount of hydroxyl radical produced in striatum was evaluated by measurement of 2, 3-and 2, 5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA), which is generated by salicylate hydroxylation. We also measured the extracellular concentration of xanthine and striatal blood flow by the hydrogen clearance technique. In animals whose postischemic body temperature was maintained at 37°C, the levels of 2, 3-and 2, 5-DHBA significantly increased after reperfusion. The peak levels of 2, 3-and 2, 5-DHBA were 2.9-fold 2.7-fold increase above the corresponding baseline values, respectively. Postischemic hypothermia completely inhibited the hydroxyl radical formation. Likewise, xanthine formation was also inhibited by postischemic hypothermia. In contrast, striatal cerebral blood flow was not altered by temperature modulation during reperfusion. These results suggest that inhibition of ROS production accompanied with suppression of xanthine formation is implicated in the neuroprotection of postischemic hypothermia.

Postischemic hypothermia inhibits the generation of hydroxyl radical following transient forebrain ischemia in rats.

A small reduction of body temperature during reperfusion following cerebral ischemia has been known to ameliorate neuronal injury. However, the mechanisms underlying postischemic hypothermia-induced neuroprotection are poorly understood. The burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation that occurs during reperfusion has been documented to be involved in ischemic neuronal degeneration. In this study, we investigated the effect of postischemic hypothermia on ROS production following transient forebrain ischemia using an in vivo microdialysis technique. Forebrain ischemia was induced by bilateral carotid artery occlusion combined with hemorrhagic hypotension for 20 min in male Wistar rats. The body temperature was kept at 37 degrees C during ischemia and controlled at either 32 degrees C or 37 degrees C after reperfusion. The amount of hydroxyl radical produced in striatum was evaluated by measurement of 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA), which is generated by salicylate hydroxylation. We also measured the extracellular concentration of xanthine, while determining striatal blood flow by the hydrogen clearance technique. In animals whose postischemic body temperature was maintained at 37 degrees C, the levels of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA significantly increased after reperfusion. The peak levels of 2,3- and 2,5- DHBA were 2.9-fold and 2.7-fold increased above the corresponding baseline values, respectively. Postischemic hypothermia completely inhibited the hydroxyl radical formation. Likewise, xanthine formation was also inhibited by postischemic hypothermia. In contrast, striatal cerebral blood flow was not altered by temperature modulation during reperfusion. These results suggest that inhibition of ROS production accompanied with suppression of xanthine formation is implicated in the neuroprotection of postischemic hypothermia.

Novel repair activities of AlkA (3-methyladenine DNA glycosylase II) and endonuclease VIII for xanthine and oxanine, guanine lesions induced by nitric oxide and nitrous acid.

Nitrosation of guanine in DNA by nitrogen oxides such as nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous acid leads to formation of xanthine (Xan) and oxanine (Oxa), potentially cytotoxic and mutagenic lesions. In the present study, we have examined the repair capacity of DNA N-glycosylases from Escherichia coli for Xan and Oxa. The nicking assay with the defined substrates containing Xan and Oxa revealed that AlkA [in combination with endonuclease (Endo) IV] and Endo VIII recognized Xan in the tested enzymes. The activity (V(max)/K(m)) of AlkA for Xan was 5-fold lower than that for 7-methylguanine, and that of Endo VIII was 50-fold lower than that for thymine glycol. The activity of AlkA and Endo VIII for Xan was further substantiated by the release of [(3)H]Xan from the substrate. The treatment of E.coli with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine increased the Xan-excising activity in the cell extract from alkA(+) but not alkA(-) strains. The alkA and nei (the Endo VIII gene) double mutant, but not the single mutants, exhibited increased sensitivity to nitrous acid relative to the wild type strain. AlkA and Endo VIII also exhibited excision activity for Oxa, but the activity was much lower than that for Xan.

Metabolism of the novel IMP dehydrogenase inhibitor benzamide riboside.

Benzamide riboside (BR) is a novel anticancer agent exhibiting pronounced activity against several human tumor cell lines via the inhibition of inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) that catalyzes the formation of xanthine 5'-monophosphate from inosine 5'-monophosphate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, thereby restricting the biosynthesis of guanylates. Phosphorylation of BR to its 5'-monophosphate derivative appears to be ubiquitous in most cells catalyzed by the enzymes, adenosine kinase, nicotinamide nucleoside kinase and 5' nucleotidase. BR 5'-monophosphate is then converted to the active metabolite benzamide adenine dinucleotide (BAD) by NMN adenylyltransferase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of NAD. As BAD is more potent in the inhibition of IMPDH than BR and BR 5'-monophosphate, cytotoxicity of BR is closely connected with intercellular metabolism to BAD. However, intracellular BAD level is also affected by BADase activity, a phosphodiesterase which hydrolyzes BAD to BR-5'-monophosphate and AMP. A recent study demonstrates enzymatic deamination of BR to non-cytotoxic benzene carboxylic acid (BR-COOH) as the main hepatic BR biotransformation product in rat liver. As the IMPDH inhibitors tiazofurin and ribavirin exhibit predominant accumulation and biotransformation in liver, hepatic metabolism may be an important factor also for BR activation and inactivation and should be considered in human liver during cancer therapy when BR is used as a single drug or in combination with other anticancer agents.

Human guanine deaminase: cloning, expression and characterisation.

Guanine deaminase activity may contribute significantly to overall urate production in mammals. In xanthine dehydrogenase deficiency, the mean urine excretion ratio for xanthine: hypoxanthine is approximately 4:11, suggesting that the conversion of guanine to xanthine may be quantitatively more important than that of hypoxanthine to xanthine, albeit the potential recycling of hypoxanthine to IMP would be expected to reduce the hypoxanthine level. In another study the relative amount of xanthine formation via guanine was estimated to be approximately 5-fold greater than via hypoxanthine2. In a porcine model, lead induced inactivation of guanine deaminase activity, resulted in the deposition of guanine crystals in the epiphyseal plate of the femoral head3. A full term infant who presented with acute anoxia and died from respiratory distress at day 2 was reported to be deficient in brain guanine deaminase activity4 .

In vitro DNA deamination by alpha-nitrosaminoaldehydes determined by GC/MS-SIM quantitation.

The deamination of DNA bases by three alpha-nitrosaminoaldehydes, butylethanalnitrosamine, methylethanalnitrosamine, and N-nitroso-2-hydroxymorpholine (NHMOR), the direct metabolite of potent animal carcinogen N-nitrosodiethanolamine, was demonstrated by a set of in vitro experiments. The deamination of guanine, adenine, and cytosine bases in nucleotides, oligonucleotides, and calf thymus DNA gave xanthine, hypoxanthine, and uracil, respectively. The order of relative reactivities of the bases was as listed above. Deamination of cytosine to uracil was detected by the reaction of (32)P-labeled oligonucleotide ([5'-(32)P]CGAT) followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. Quantitative analysis of deamination of guanine and adenine in calf thymus DNA was performed by a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring method. Both the extent and the rate of the deamination reactions which occur by transnitrosation from the alpha-nitrosaminoaldehyde to the base were determined for formation of xanthine and hypoxanthine. The deamination of guanine by NHMOR remained significant at low substrate levels.

Benzamide riboside induces apoptosis independent of Cdc25A expression in human ovarian carcinoma N.1 cells.

One of the mechanisms of action of a new oncolytic agent, benzamide riboside (BR) is by inhibiting inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) which catalyzes the formation of xanthine 5'-monophosphate from inosine 5'-monophosphate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, thereby restricting the biosynthesis of guanylates. In the present study BR (10 - 20 microM) induced apoptosis in a human ovarian carcinoma N.1 cell line (a monoclonal derivative of its heterogenous parent line HOC-7). This was ascertained by DNA fragmentation, TUNEL assay, [poly(ADP)ribose polymerase]-cleavage and alteration in cell morphology. Apoptosis was accompanied by sustained c-Myc expression, concurrent down-regulation of cdc25A mRNA and protein, and by inhibition of Cdk2 activity. Both Cdk2 and cdc25A are G1 phase specific genes and Cdk2 is the target of Cdc25A. These studies demonstrate that BR exhibits dual mechanisms of action, first by inhibiting IMPDH, and second by inducing apoptosis, which is associated with repression of components of the cell cycle that are downstream of constitutive c-Myc expression.

Extracellular ischaemia markers in repeated global ischaemia and secondary hypoxaemia monitored by microdialysis in rat brain.

The aim of this study was to explore the usefulness of extracellular markers of cerebral ischaemia. Cortical microdialysate concentrations of the energy related metabolites lactate, pyruvate, glucose, adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine and xanthine, were measured in rats subjected to repeated transient ischaemia. The animals were subjected to one or two 10-min periods of global ischaemia produced by induced intracranial hypertension, with a 2 h period of reperfusion after each insult. In addition, the effect of superimposed secondary hypoxaemia and hypotension was studied. In general, there was a good agreement between the extracellular markers and known intracellular energy disturbances under similar conditions, including marked transient increases of lactate, lactate/pyruvate ratio, inosine and hypoxanthine. Several new observations were made: (1) glucose appeared to be a useful marker of severe ischaemia and recirculation, (2) a marked post-ischaemic xanthine formation was observed implicating a substantial loss of salvageable hypoxanthine as well as increased production of superoxide radicals, (3) a blunted purine response was noted after the second insult, reflecting a reduced intracellular adenine nucleotide pool, and (4) a different pattern of ischaemia markers was observed during secondary hypoxia as compared to hypoxia with hypotension. In conclusion, extracellular lactate, pyruvate, glucose, adenosine, inosine hypoxanthine and xanthine all seem valuable as ischaemia markers. The results support the usefulness of intracerebral microdialysis for monitoring of energy metabolic disturbances caused by cerebral ischaemia/hypoxia. The pattern of extracellular ischaemia markers may help differentiate between various causes of energy perturbations, such as different degrees of ischaemia and hypoxia.

Nitric Oxide-induced Deamination of Cytosine and Guanine in Deoxynucleosides and Oligonucleotides

The autoxidation of nitric oxide (NO.) forms the nitrosating agent N2O3, which can directly damage DNA by deamination of DNA bases following nitrosation of their primary amine functionalities. Within the G:C base pair, deamination results in the formation of xanthine and uracil, respectively. To determine the effect of DNA structure on the deamination of guanine and cytosine, the NO.-induced deamination rate constants for deoxynucleosides, single- and double-stranded oligonucleotides, and a G-quartet oligonucleotide were measured. Deamination rate constants were determined relative to morpholine using a Silastic membrane to deliver NO. at a rate of approximately 10-20 nmol/ml/min for 60 min, yielding a final concentration of approximately 600-1200 microM NO2-. GC/MS analysis revealed formation of nanomolar levels of deamination products from millimolar concentrations of deoxynucleosides and oligomers. Deamination rate constants for cytosine and guanine in all types of DNA were lower than the morpholine nitrosation rate constant by a factor of approximately 10(3)-10(4). Xanthine was formed at twice the rate of uracil, and this may have important consequences for mechanisms of NO.-induced mutations. Single-stranded oligomers were 5 times more reactive than deoxynucleosides toward N2O3. Double-stranded oligomers were 10-fold less reactive than single-stranded oligomers, suggesting that Watson-Crick base pairing protects DNA from deamination. G-quartet structures were also protective, presumably because of hydrogen bonding. These results demonstrate that DNA structure is an important factor in determining the reactivity of DNA bases with NO.-derived species.

Pyrimidine Ring Opening in the Unimolecular Dediazoniation of Guanine Diazonium Ion. An Ab Initio Theoretical Study of the Mechanism of Nitrosative Guanosine Deamination

DNA base deamination and interstrand cross-linking due to reaction with HNO2 or NO has been linked to a variety of disorders in people.1 Nitric oxide deaminates nucleosides, nucleotides, and DNA in vitro, and similar DNA damage also occurs in vivo.2 The amino group of adenine can be eliminated via diazotization reactions,3 and deamination of cytosine to uracil is a well-known mutagenic event.4,5 The deamination of guanine with HNO2 leads to xanthine formation (Scheme 1) or crosslinking6,7 to a proximate guanine or adenine.8 The deaminations of the DNA bases are thought to involve diazonium ions as the crucial reactive intermediate, and the mechanistic hypotheses are based on product analyses and their rationalization in analogy to the chemistry of aromatic primary amines.9 In contrast to aniline, however, the diazonium ions of the DNA bases have never been observed directly, and their properties, stabilities, and reactivities are not known. The mechanistic hypotheses for the reaction of water with the guanine diazonium ion GN2 (1) are outlined in Scheme 1. The three principle mechanisms previously discussed all result in the replacement of the N2 function by the OH group, followed by tautomerization to xanthine, and they differ in the timing of N2 elimination and hydroxyl group addition (+H2O/-H). If H2O attacks the C-atom to which the diazonio function is attached, nucleophilic aromatic substitution occurs with N2 loss and formation of xanthine in a uni(SNAr1) or bimolecular (SNAr2) fashion. Nitroguanine is a known side product, and its formation is indicative of an SN1 type process. Alternatively, a nucleophile may add to Nâ and the diazene may undergo N2 expulsion. In cross-link formations, it is thought that the amino group of another DNA base serves as the nucleophile, and the Shapiro mechanism is consistent with the Verly kinetic data.10 The cross-linking was studied with oligodeoxynucleotide duplexes,11a and the observed sequence preferences were rationalized by proximity effects involving the diazonium ion11a