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Activation of a beta-hydroxyalkylnitrosamine to alkylating agents: evidence for the involvement of a sulfotransferase.

N-Nitrosomethyl(2-hydroxyethyl)amine (NMHEA), when administered by gavage, is a strong liver carcinogen in F344 female rats, but a weak liver carcinogen in male rats. After repeated exposure to NMHEA, either in drinking water or by gavage, female rats accumulated higher levels of DNA-guanine adducts than did their male counterparts, suggesting a correlation with the observed disparity in carcinogenicity. NMHEA has been shown to alkylate rat liver DNA in vivo in a dose-dependent manner. Chemical investigations of NMHEA suggest that it becomes a strong electrophile when a good leaving group is substituted on the hydroxyl. We have proposed that NMHEA is activated to its ultimate carcinogenic form by conjugation with sulfate. The sulfate ester was postulated to undergo rapid cyclization to 3-methyl-1,2,3-oxadizolinium ion, which has previously been found to be a potent methylating agent in vitro. The effect of sulfotransferase inhibitors on the DNA alkylation in rats by NMHEA was studied in vivo. Dichloronitrophenol, a powerful inhibitor of phenol sulfotransferase, had little effect on the methylation and O6-hydroxyethylation of DNA guanine in female rats, while depressing the hydroxyethylation of the N-7 position of guanine. Dichloronitrophenol, however, dramatically enhanced the methylation of DNA in male rats. It also slightly inhibited the N-nitrosodimethylamine-induced methylation of DNA. On the other hand, propylene glycol, an alcohol sulfotransferase inhibitor, had a profound inhibitory effect on DNA methylation induced by NMHEA, very little effect on the formation of N7-(2-hydroxyethyl)guanine, but a very strong effect on the O6-hydroxyethylguanine lesions. NMHEA-induced alkylation was also studied in male and female brachymorphic mice, which are deficient in the ability to synthesize the sulfate donor 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate required for sulfotransferase activity, and their heterozygous siblings. No significant differences were seen between the heterozygous and brachymorphic mice in overall levels of alkylation, except in the case of 7-hydroxyethylation. In contrast to rats, male mice showed higher levels of formation of all DNA guanine adducts than did the females. However, propylene glycol was found to depress all the levels of alkylation in the brachymorphic mice, except for N7-(2-hydroxyethyl)guanine, as was observed in rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Alkylation↗

Sequence-specific alkylation of dsDNA with derivatives of pyrimidine oligonucleotides conjugated to 2-chloroethylamine groups.

Reaction of homopyrimidine oligonucleotides bearing a 5'-terminal alkylating aromatic 2-chloroethyl-amino group with a bovine papilloma vector expressing human interferon-gamma was investigated. The oligonucleotide derivatives bound to corresponding homopurine-homopyrimidine sequences in dsDNA and alkylated guanosine residues at these sites in the purine strand of the target. The alkylated DNA can be cleaved at the modified residues. At pH 5.4, the reaction was highly specific to the target sequences; at pH less than 5, some nonspecific reactions were observed at the sequences partially complementary to the oligonucleotides. Elongation of the linker between the alkylating group and the oligonucleotide phosphate increased the alkylation efficiency. Repeated treatment of the DNA with gradually increased concentrations of the reagent resulted in quantitative modification of the target guanosines.

Alkylation↗

[Analysis of macromolecule alkylation in tissues of intact and tumor carrying mice].

Alkylation DNA reparation kinetics and the disintegration of alkylated RNA, proteins and lipids in liver, spleen and brain of intact and 22A hepatomic mice after a injection of 1-14C-nitrosomethylurea at a therapeutic dose are studied. The tissue studied are different in their macromolecules and lipids alkylation, in DNA reparation and RNA, protein and lipid degradation rates. Possible correlation between the time of the occurrence of DNA damages and the frequency of tumour emergence in different tissues is discussed. It is found that normal cells eliminate more rapidly degraded RNA, protein and lipid molecules and more rapidly repair DNA damages as compared with 22A hepatoma cells. It is suggested to be due to more rapid macromolecule metabolism in normal cells which specifies a selective sensitivity of tumour cells to alkylating agents and nitrosoalkylureas. The time of the occurrence of damages induced with alkylating agents and nitrosomethylureas is supposed to be a critical parameter in processes resulting in the selective sensitivity of normal and tumour cells.

Alkylation↗

[Reactivity of oligonucleotide derivatives, containing methylphosphonate groups. VI. Increase in the effectiveness of directed action of alkylating derivatives of oligonucleotide methylphosphonate analogs on nucleic acids in the presence of effectors--3',5'-bis-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-phenazine derivatives of oligonucleotides].

Effectors for increasing the efficiency of DNA modification with the alkylating methylphosphonate analogues of oligodeoxyribonucleotides (MFAO) were suggested. Oligodeoxyribonucleotide d(pC5A8ACAATG) used as a target DNA treated with alkylating derivatives of octathymidylate having alternating methylphosphonate and phosphodiester internucleotide bonds (both Rp- and Sp-individual diastereoisomers of MFAO were used) and bearing alkylating 4-(N-methyl-N-2-chloroethylamino)benzyl phosphoramide residue at the 3'-end. The reactions were carried out in the presence of an effector, hexadeoxyribonucleotide derivative PhnNH(CH2)2NHpCATTGTpNH(CH2)2NHPhn bearing two N-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenazinium (Phn) residues at the 3'- and 5'-ends and being complementary to the part of the target DNA neighbouring with octaadenylate. It was shown that Tm of the duplex formed by the target DNA, octathymidylate and effector is by 7-13 degrees C higher than in the absence of the effector, thus considerably increasing the efficiency of the intracomplex alkylation of the target (e.g., at 40 degrees C, the increase for the reagent based on the Rp-isomer is sixfold). Specificity of the target DNA modification by the MFAO alkylating derivatives in the presence of effector is same as with reagents based on oligodeoxyribonucleotides with natural internucleotide bonds.

Alkylating Agents↗

[Reactive oligonucleotide derivatives containing methylphosphonate groups. V. Increased effectiveness of complementary addressed modification of target DNA by alkylating derivatives of methylphosphonate analogs of octathymidylate containing N-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenazinium residues].

Efficiency of the intracomplex alkylation of octadecadeoxyribonucleotide d(pC5A8C5) (target) by Rp- and Sp-individual diastereomers of the methylphosphonate octathymidylate 4-(N-methyl-N-2-chloroethylamino)benzyl phosphoramide (-pNHCH2RCl) derivatives bearing an additional N-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenazinium residue (phn), viz. ClRCH2NHpTp.(TpTp)3TpNH(CH2)2NHPhn (I) and PhnNH(CH2)2NHpTp(TpTp)3TpNHCH2RCl (II) (p = -OP(O) (CH3)O-), has been investigated. Stabilisation of the complementary complex formed by the target oligonucleotide and methylphosphonate oligonucleotide derivatives by the Phn group considerably rose the efficiency of the intracomplex alkylation of the target as compared with alkylation by reagents without Phn. RP-isomeric derivatives of (I) and (II) proved to be the most effective alkylating reagents. Specificity of alkylation of nucleic acid target by reagents (I) and (II) is studied.

Alkylating Agents↗

Alkylated cAMP derivatives: selective synthesis and biological activities.

Many alkylated cAMPs have been prepared and tested for their antitumor and cardiac activities. Treatment of cAMP with several bases and alkyl bromides gave alkyltriesters of cAMP (2), N6,N6,2'-O-trialkyl cAMPs (3), N6,2'-O-dialkyl cAMPs (4) and 2'-O-monoalkyl cAMPs (5) in one step. N6,N6-dialkyl cAMPs (6) were prepared from 2'-O-tosyl cAMP by the similar alkylation, followed by detosylation. Synthesis of N6-monoalkyl cAMPs (7) was achieved by the reductive alkylation of cAMP with aldehydes in one step. Alkyl triesters of cAMP exhibited antitumor activities against P815 cells. N6-mono and N6,N6-dialkyl cAMPs showed significant cardiac activities.

Alkylation↗

Cross-resistance and glutathione-S-transferase-pi levels among four human melanoma cell lines selected for alkylating agent resistance.

A panel of four cell sublines, each selected for resistance to a different antineoplastic agent, has been developed from a human malignant melanoma cell line G3361. Following repeated exposure to escalating doses of the drug of interest, cloned sublines were developed that are 9-fold resistant to cisplatin (G3361/CP), 11-fold resistant to 4-hydroxyperoxy-cyclophosphamide (4-HC) (G3361/HC), 4-fold resistant to carmustine (BCNU) (G3361/BCNU), and 4-fold resistant to melphalan (G3361/PAM). The cross-resistance of each resistant cell line was determined for cisplatin, BCNU, 4-HC, melphalan, carboplatin, nitrogen mustard, and Adriamycin. In general, the alkylating agent-resistant cell lines were specifically resistant to the drug used for selection with the exception of the G3361/CP line, which was greater than 10-fold resistant to the cisplatin analogue carboplatin, 4-fold resistant to 4-HC, and slightly (1.5-fold) resistant to melphalan, and the G3361/BCNU line, which was slightly (1.8-fold) resistant to melphalan. Collateral sensitivity of the G3361/CP, G3361/PAM, and G3361/4HC lines to killing by BCNU was also observed. Glutathione-S-transferase activity was elevated in each of the alkylating agent-resistant cell lines by 3- to 5-fold with chlorodinitrobenzene substrate. On Western blotting, the glutathione-S-transferase-pi (GST-pi) isoenzyme protein was elevated in the resistant cells by 3- to 5-fold. A complementary DNA (pTS4-10) coding for GST-pi has been cloned from a lambda gt11 library, sequenced, and used as a probe to determine the relative levels of GST-pi mRNA in the alkylating agent-resistant cell lines. GST-pi mRNA levels were elevated (8- to 15-fold) in the resistant cell lines, indicating that the GST-pi increases were mediated through an increase in mRNA levels. GST-pi elevations are a frequent event in cells selected for alkylating agent resistance, and in some cases, of multiple drug resistance. However, the lack of cross-resistance among cell lines selected for resistance to different alkylating agents, all of which have elevated GST-pi levels, indicates that increased levels of GST-pi cannot be the predominate mechanism for resistance to the tested drugs in these cell lines.

Alkylating Agents↗

Effect of thymidine on uptake, DNA alkylation, and DNA repair in L1210 cells treated with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea or 3'-[3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosoureido]-3'-deoxythymidine.

In order to define the mechanism for the enhancement by thymidine (dThd) of the antitumor activity of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) and 3'-[3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosoureido]-3'-deoxythymidine (3'-CTNU) in mice, we have investigated the effect(s) of dThd on the uptake of nitrosourea by L1210 cells in culture, DNA alkylation, and repair of the alkyl lesion. Using a rapid centrifugation technique through silicone:paraffin oil, we observe a 1.3- and 1.5-fold increase in the uptake of radioactivity from 0.1 mM [chloroethyl-14C]BCNU in the presence of a 5- and 25-fold excess of dThd, respectively. Similarly, an enhancement of DNA alkylation was observed upon treatment of L1210 cells for up to 3 h with 0.1 mM [chloroethyl-14C]BCNU from 70 pmol 14C/mg DNA in control to 85, 95, and 120 pmol 14C/mg DNA with equimolar 5- and 25-fold excess dThd, respectively. No effect of dThd on the uptake of 0.1 mM [chloroethyl-14C]-3'-CTNU was observed, although a small increase in DNA alkylation at 3 h was evident. DNA repair, as measured by the amount of radioactivity remaining associated with the DNA after an initial 2-h treatment with labeled BCNU was largely unaffected by dThd. Although dThd appears to enhance the cellular uptake of BCNU and the alkylation of DNA by both BCNU and 3'-CTNU, dealkylative repair proceeds unhindered in the presence of dThd.

Alkylation↗

Effect of cell cycle position on the survival of 9L cells treated with nitrosoureas that alkylate, cross-link, and carbamoylate.

The relationship between cell cycle position and cytotoxicity was studied in 9L rat brain tumor cells treated with nitrosoureas that, depending on their structures, can alkylate or alkylate and cross-link DNA and/or carbamoylate biomolecules. Because pure populations of G1-, S-, and G2-M-phase cells could not be obtained with the centrifugal elutriation methods used, drug sensitivity of cells in each phase of the cell cycle was estimated using a mathematical model that accounts for variation in enrichment of elutriated fractions. 1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea, 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(trans-4-methylcyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea, 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(2,6-dioxo-3-piperidyl)-1-nitrosourea, which alkylate and cross-link DNA and carbamoylate biomolecules, and 2-[3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosoureido]-D-glucopyranose (chlorozotocin), which alkylates and cross-links DNA but cannot carbamoylate biomolecules, killed more cells in G1 and G2-M phases than in S phase. N-Ethylnitrosourea, which alkylates and carbamoylates but does not form DNA interstrand cross-links, was more toxic to cells in S phase than in other phases. Cell kill caused by N,N'-bis(trans-4-hydroxycyclohexyl)-N-nitrosourea, a compound that carbamoylates only, increased progressively through the cell cycle from G1 to M. Nitrosoureas that cross-link DNA were more cytotoxic than nitrosoureas that do not cross-link DNA, although the latter had phase specificity. The results suggest that the increased sensitivity of G1- and G2-M-phase cells to chloroethylnitrosoureas is related to the formation of DNA interstrand cross-links.

Alkylating Agents↗

Concentration-dependent mutation by alkylating agents in human lymphoblasts and Salmonella typhimurium: N-methyl-N-nitrosourethane and beta-propiolactone.

The toxic and mutagenic effects of the alkylating agents N-methyl-N-nitrosourethane (MNUT) and beta-propiolactone (BPL) were quantitatively measured in human lymphoblasts and Salmonella typhimurium. Forward mutation to 6-thioguanine resistance was measured in the human lymphoblasts, and forward mutation to 8-azaguanine resistance was measured in the bacterial cells after equigenerational (1.5 doubling times) exposures. In both systems, the induced mutant fraction rose linearly as a function of concentration for BPL and was biphasic for MNUT. The responses of the two assay systems to eight alkylating agents were compared. The exposure of the cells to each alkylating agent was calculated as exposure concentration multiplied by the time of exposure, and allowance was made for the decomposition of the alkylating agents during exposure (integral exposure). Human cells were 2.5--13 times more sensitive than was S. typhimurium to the alkylating agents methyl methanesulfonate, ethyl methanesulfonate, propyl methanesulfonate, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, methylnitrosourea, and MNUT. S. typhimurium cells were three times more sensitive to butyl methanesulfonate and 25 times more sensitive to BPL than were human cells.

Alkylating Agents↗

Selectivity in the modification of the alpha-amino groups of hemoglobin on reductive alkylation with aliphatic carbonyl compounds. Influence of derivatization on the polymerization of hemoglobin S.

The reactivity of the alpha-amino groups of the alpha- and beta-chains of hemoglobn toward reductive alkylation using limiting concentrations of the aliphatic carbonyl compounds, acetaldehyde (ethylation), glyoxylic acid (carboxymethylation), glycolaldehyde (hydroxyethylation), glyceraldehyde (dihydroxypropylation), and dihydroxyacetone (dihydroxyisopropylation) has been investigated. Hemoglobin A reductively ethylated at the alpha-amino groups eluted on CM-52 ahead of unmodified hemoglobin A, and hemoglobin A reductively ethylated at the epsilon-amino groups. This observation is similar to that seen on hydroxyethylation and dihydroxypropylation of the alpha-amino group of hemoglobin A. The presence of the alpha-hydroxyl or the carboxyl group in the carbonyl component used in the reductive alkylation influences considerably the selectivity pattern during the derivatization. The alpha-amino groups of the alpha- and beta-chains are modified to nearly the same degree during reductive hydroxyethylation as well as during reductive dihydroxypropylation. Reductive ethylation (aldehyde lacking the alpha-hydroxyl group) exhibited a slight preferential reaction at Val-1(beta). The presence of a negatively charged carboxyl group in the carbonyl component, i.e. glyoxylic acid, made this preferential reaction at Val-1(beta) even more pronounced. When the reductive alkylation is carried out with dihydroxyacetone (a ketone instead of an aldehyde), the dihydroxyisopropylation occurred at a slower rate and exclusively at Val-1(beta). The ethylation, hydroxyethylation, carboxymethylation, and dihydroxypropylation of the alpha-amino groups of hemoglobin S increased its solubility from the value of 16 g/dl for the unmodified protein to about 25 g/dl for the modified protein. Thus, the alkyl chains on the alpha-amino groups on the polymerization have a strong inhibitory influence. In order to determine the influence of the alkyl chains at the alpha-amino groups of alpha- and beta-chains on polymerization, hybrid hemoglobin S tetramers with hydroxyethylation either at Val-1(alpha) or at Val-1(beta) have been prepared. The solubility of each hybrid is about 26 g/dl. Thus, the hydroxyethyl group either on the alpha- or the beta-chain appears to interfere with the polymerization of deoxygenated HbS to the same degree. The inhibitory influence of the hydroxyethyl chain at Val-1(alpha) on the polymerization, compared with the lack of such an influence when this alpha-amino group is modified by cyanate, suggests that a carbamoyl group on Val-1(alpha) can be accommodated in the intermolecular contact region involving this segment of the molecule without seriously perturbing the mo

Alkylation↗

Alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase in human fibroblasts and its deficiency in Zellweger syndrome.

The cerebro-hepato-renal (Zellweger) syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder biochemically characterized by the absence of morphologically distinguishable peroxisomes. Key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of ether phospholipids, i.e., dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase and alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase, are located in mammalian (micro)peroxisomes. We have previously shown a strikingly reduced activity of dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase in liver, brain, and cultured skin fibroblasts from Zellweger patients (Schutgens et al. 1984. Biochim. Biophys. Res. Commun. 120: 179-184). We have now extended these investigations by studying alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Enzymatic activity was determined by measuring the formation of radioactive alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate from palmitoyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate and [1-14C]hexadecanol as substrates. The enzyme was optimally active at pH 8.5 and was stimulated (about 2-3-fold) by the presence of 0.05% (v/v) Triton X-100. The apparent KM values for the enzyme in control fibroblasts amounted to 35 microM for palmitoyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate and 90 microM for hexadecanol. The reaction became inhibited at higher concentrations of both Triton X-100 and palmitoyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Control skin fibroblasts showed alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase activity of 69 +/- 28 pmol X min-1 X mg-1 (n = 7), while fibroblasts from patients had an activity of only 6.3 +/- 1.7 pmol X min-1 X mg-1 (n = 7). Alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase was also found to be deficient in tissue homogenates of Zellweger patients. The specific activity of this enzyme in liver, kidney, and brain homogenates from Zellweger patients was less than 15% of that in the corresponding tissues from controls.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

[Directed modification of the Tcr gene region of the plasmid pBR322 using complementary single-stranded DNA fragments carrying alkylating groups].

A method is suggested for chemical modification of preselected regions of plasmid DNA by complementary single-stranded restriction fragments of DNA (srf DNA), carrying alkylating reagents. The gene coding for tetracycline resistance of plasmid pBR322 was used as a target. Srf DNA was prepared by a partial digestion of a double-stranded EcoRI-BamHI restriction fragment (377 base pairs) from Tcr by E. coli exonuclease III. The residues of an alkylating reagent N,N,N'-tri(beta-chlorethyl)-N'-(p-formylphenyl) propylenediamine 1,3 (TFP) were attached covalently to 4-5% of sfr DNA bases. The alkylating derivative of the sfr DNA was hybridized with supercoiled pBR322 plasmid DNA. The hybridization conditions (37 degrees C, 40% formamide, 0,2 M NaCl, 0,1 M Tris-HCl pH 7,5, 0,001 M EDTA) under which the bases carrying TFP residues are not eliminated from the sfr DNA, and transforming activity of pBR322 DNA does not decrease were established. It was shown that about 20% of plasmid pBR322 molecules form D-loops with alkylating sfr DNA under these conditions. It was shown that sfr DNA, carrying TFP can alkylate the complementary region of plasmid DNA, forming cross-linked D-loops. A method for the site-directed mutagenesis of switching off the preselected genes or non-transcribed DNA functional regions (promotors, introns etc) integrated into plasmids of other vectors is suggested.

Alkylation↗

Influence of asbestos on the uptake of benzo(a)pyrene and DNA alkylation in hamster tracheal epithelial cells.

The objective of these experiments was to understand the mechanism of cocarcinogenicity of asbestos and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] was coated onto crocidolite or chrysotile asbestos fibers, resuspended in serum-free medium, and added to cultures of hamster tracheal epithelial cells. The fibers markedly enhanced cell uptake of B(a)P. Although considerable metabolism occurred, approximately 40% of the applied B(a)P was retained by the cells after 8-hr incubation as opposed to 5% after incubation with B(a)P in the absence of asbestos. The hydrocarbon-containing medium was replaced by fresh medium. Four days later, approximately 3% of the B(a)P that had been applied when adsorbed to asbestos was still persistent in cells as compared to 0.5% in cells treated with B(a)P alone. DNA from hamster tracheal epithelial cells was purified, and the amount of B(a)P alkylation was assessed. At 8 hr, the extent of alkylation after treatment of the cells with either B(a)P or B(a)P:asbestos was similar. However, the retained unmetabolized B(a)P was subsequently metabolized and contributed to further alkylation so that the B(a)P-asbestos treated cells demonstrated considerably higher levels of alkylation throughout the 4-day posttreatment period. None of these effects was observed if asbestos was added 1 hr before the addition of B(a)P. The enhanced uptake of B(a)P and subsequent additional alkylation of DNA might represent a mechanism of asbestos-induced cocarcinogenesis.

Alkylation↗

[Alkylating nucleosides. Synthesis and cytostatic activity of new types of halomethyl-substituted nucleosides].

Concerning the potential use of chemically alkylating halomethyl groups as the active moiety of cytotoxic compounds, two new types of alkylating nucleosides, namely C-ribosyl halomethylthiazoles and 5'-0-haloacetyl-uridine or -inosine, have been synthesized. As in the case of previously reported cytostatic N-glycosyl halomethyl pentaheterocycles, the design of the first type was based on the alkylating ability of benzylic type halides. The design of the second type of nucleosides in which the alkylating group in attached to the sugar, was based on the soft alkylating capacity of alpha-halo substituted esters. All the compounds have been tested against HeLa cell cultures and some of them have shown significant cytostatic activity. Relationships between these activities and certain structural features are discussed.

Alkylating Agents↗

Inhibition of terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase by various 5-alkylated derivatives of 1-beta-arabinofuranosyluracil 5'-triphosphate: substituent effects on inhibitory action.

Inhibitory effects of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyluracil 5'-triphosphate (ara-UTP) and its 5-alkylated derivatives [1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylthymine 5'-triphosphate (ara-TTP): 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-5-ethyluracil 5'-triphosphate (ara-EtUTP); 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-5'-propyluracil 5'-triphosphate (ara-PrUTP); 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-5-butyluracil 5'-triphosphate (ara-BuUTP)] on the activity of terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase (TdT) from calf thymus were examined. All these compounds inhibited TdT activity by competition with the natural substrate dTTP for the same substrate-binding site of the enzymes. The extent of inhibition by the inhibitor, however, decreased by introducing an alkyl group on the 5-position of the uracil nucleus, indicating the importance of inductive and steric effects of the 5-substituents on TdT. Of the four 5-alkylated ara-UTP's, ara-EtUTP was less inhibitory to TdT than the other compounds, and the potency of inhibition was restored by replacing 5-ethyl group with longer propyl or butyl group, suggesting that the hydrophobic effects of these 5-alkyl side chains are involved in the inhibitory action of the compounds. The results are compared and discussed with those of our previous report on the inhibition of DNA polymerase alpha and beta by these 5-alkylated ara-UTP's (Ono et al., 1981).

Alkylation↗

Stereochemistry of cytochrome P-450-catalyzed epoxidation and prosthetic heme alkylation.

Oxidation of 1-octene by cytochrome P-450 results concurrently in formation of 1,2-oxidooctane and in N-alkylation by the catalytically activated olefin of the prosthetic heme group. The stereochemistry of trans-1-[1-2H]octene is retained during both transformations. This alkylation stereochemistry requires addition of the pyrrole nitrogen and the activated oxygen to the same side of the double bond, a reaction geometry opposite to that expected if the heme were alkylated by the epoxide metabolite. Stereochemical analysis shows that the S enantiomer of the epoxide is formed in slight excess over the R enantiomer by oxidation of the re and si faces, respectively, of the olefin, but that heme alkylation only occurs during oxidation of the re face. The stereochemical specificity of epoxidation and heme alkylation requires that (a) the two processes proceed by independent (probably concerted) mechanisms, or (b) the two processes diverge from a common acyclic intermediate.

Alkenes↗

[Production of directed mutations in T7 phage by transfecting Escherichia coli using locally alkylated T7 DNA].

Modified polyribonucleotides carrying a number of alkylating groups were used for alkylation of complementary sites of DNA to induce gene-directed mutations. Polyfunctional alkylating mustard, N,N,N'-tri-(beta-chloroethyl)-N'-(p-formylphenyl)-propylene diamine-1,3, moieties were attached to T7 phage early transcripts. The transcripts modified to 4-5% were hybridized with T7 DNA to form R-loops, and RNA molecules were covalently bound to the complementary DNA sites as a result of the activation of RNA carried alkylating groups. T7 DNA molecules alkylated by modified RNAs transcribed from 0.3 and 1.1 T7 phage genes were used for transfection of Escherichia coli. In the progeny of phages generated by the transfection of 24 negative colonies, 3 contained double amber mutants in amounts of 2-10%. Complementation tests permitted to assign all mutations to the same complementation group. Recombination analysis established that one of the mutations concerns gene 0.3. The results of complementation studies indicate that the second mutation, with high probability, concerns gene 1.1.

Alkylation↗