Synthesis of isotopically labelled DNA degradation products for use in mass spectrometric studies of cellular DNA damage

Ne-22 Ion-Beam Radiation Damage to DNA: From Initial Free Radical Formation to Resulting DNA-Base Damage

We report on the physicochemical processes and the products of DNA damage involved in Ne-22 ion-beam radiation of hydrated (12 ± 3 H2O/nucleotide) salmon testes DNA at 77 K. Free radicals trapped at 77 K were identified using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The measurement of DNA damage using two different techniques of mass spectrometry revealed the formation of numerous DNA products. Results obtained by ESR spectroscopy showed that as the linear energy transfer (LET) of the ion-beam radiation increases along the beam track, the production of DNA radicals correspondingly increases until just before the Bragg peak is reached. Yields of DNA products along the ion-beam track were in excellent agreement with the radical production. This work is the first to use the combination of ESR spectroscopy and mass spectrometric techniques enabling a better understanding of mechanisms of radiation damage to DNA by heavy ion beams detailing the formation of DNA free radicals and their subsequent products.

Measurement of oxidatively induced DNA damage and its repair, by mass spectrometric techniques

Oxidatively induced damage caused by free radicals and other DNA-damaging agents generate a plethora of products in the DNA of living organisms. There is mounting evidence for the involvement of this type of damage in the etiology of numerous diseases including carcinogenesis. For a thorough understanding of the mechanisms, cellular repair, and biological consequences of DNA damage, accurate measurement of resulting products must be achieved. There are various analytical techniques, with their own advantages and drawbacks, which can be used for this purpose. Mass spectrometric techniques with isotope dilution, which include gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC), provide structural elucidation of products and ascertain accurate quantification, which are absolutely necessary for reliable measurement. Both gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), in single or tandem versions, have been used for the measurement of numerous DNA products such as sugar and base lesions, 8,5'-cyclopurine-2'-deoxynucleosides, base-base tandem lesions, and DNA-protein crosslinks, in vitro and in vivo. This article reviews these techniques and their applications in the measurement of oxidatively induced DNA damage and its repair.

P1,P2-diimidazolyl derivatives of pyrophosphate and bis-phosphonates--synthesis, properties, and use in preparation of dinucleoside tetraphosphates and analogs

P(1),P(2)-Diimidazolyl derivatives of pyrophosphate and halomethylene-bis-phosphonates have been synthesized and characterized, and the mechanism of their formation was studied. These reagents enable synthesis of dinucleoside tetraphosphates and tetraphosphonates conveniently and in high yields.

Glutathione depletion by buthionine sulfoximine induces oxidative damage to DNA in organs of rabbits in vivo

Glutathione (GSH) exists in mammalian tissues in vivo at high concentrations and plays an important protective role against oxidatively induced damage to biological molecules, including DNA. We investigated oxidatively induced damage to DNA by GSH depletion in different organs of rabbits in vivo. Rabbits were treated subcutaneously with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an effective GSH-depleting compound. GSH levels were measured in heart, brain, liver, and kidney of animals. BSO treatment significantly reduced GSH levels in heart, brain, and liver, but not in kidney. DNA was isolated from these tissues to test whether GSH depletion causes oxidatively induced DNA damage in vivo. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with isotope dilution methods were applied to measure typical products of oxidatively induced damage in isolated DNA samples. Several such products were identified and quantified in all organs. BSO treatment caused significant formation of 8-hydroxyguanine, 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine, 8-hydroxyadenine, and (5'S)-8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine in DNA of organs of rabbits. Animals were fed with the semiessential amino acid 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (taurine) during BSO treatment. Taurine significantly inhibited GSH depletion and also formation of DNA products. Depletion of GSH correlated well with formation of DNA products, indicating the role of GSH in preventing oxidatively induced DNA damage. Our findings might contribute to the understanding of pathologies associated with DNA damage, oxidative stress, and/or defective antioxidant responses and improve our understanding of the effect of BSO in increasing the efficacy of anticancer therapeutics.

Measurement of formamidopyrimidines in DNA

Formamidopyrimidines, 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyAde) and 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyGua), are among major lesions in DNA generated by hydroxyl radical attack, UV radiation, or photosensitization in vitro and in vivo. FapyAde and FapyGua exist in living cells at detectable background levels and are formed by exposure of cells to DNA-damaging agents. Numerous prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA glycosylases exist for the repair of formamidopyrimidines by base excision repair pathways in cells, indicating their biological significance. Moreover, they are premutagenic lesions, albeit to different extents, revealing a possible role in disease processes. Methodologies using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with capillary columns have been developed to accurately measure FapyAde and FapyGua in DNA in vitro and in vivo. Stable isotope-labeled analogues of these compounds have been synthesized and are commercially available to be used as internal standards for accurate quantification. GC/MS with isotope dilution provides excellent sensitivity and selectivity for positive identification and accurate quantification, and has widely been applied in the past to the measurement of formamidopyrimidines under numerous experimental conditions. This paper reports on the details of this GC/MS methodology.

Progress toward a Rationally Designed, Chemically Powered Rotary Molecular Motor

Building on prototype 1, which achieves 120 degrees of phosgene-powered unidirectional rotation to rotamer 6 (see Figure 5 in the full article), 7 was designed to accomplish repeated unidirectional rotation (see Scheme 7). Compound 7 contains an amino group on each blade of the triptycene and a 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) unit to selectively deliver phosgene (or its equivalent) to the amine in the "firing position". The synthesis of 7 is described: the key constructive steps are a benzyne addition to an anthracene to generate the triptycene, a stilbene photocyclization to construct the helicene, and a Stille coupling to incorporate the DMAP unit. The DMAP unit was shown to regioselectively relay 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (but not phosgene) to the proximal amino group, as designed, but rotation of the triptycene does not occur. Extensive attempts to troubleshoot the problem led to the conclusion that the requisite intramolecular urethane formation, as demonstrated in the prototype (1 --> 4), does not occur with 7 (to give 85) or 97 (to give 100). We speculate that either (i) hydrogen bonding between the hydroxypropyl group and functionality present in 7 but absent from 1 or (ii) a Bürgi-Dunitz (or similar) interaction involving the DMAP (see 106) prevents achievement of a conformation conducive to intramolecular urethane formation.

Mouse NEIL1 protein is specific for excision of 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine and 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine from oxidatively damaged DNA

A functional homologue of human DNA glycosylase NEIL1 (hNEIL1) in mouse has recently been cloned, isolated, characterized, and named mouse NEIL1 (mNEIL1). This enzyme exhibited specificity for excision of oxidatively modified pyrimidine bases such as thymine glycol, 5,6-dihydrouracil, and 5-hydroxypyrimidines, using oligonucleotides with a single base lesion incorporated at a specific site. It also acted upon AP sites; however, no significant excision of 8-hydroxyguanine was observed [Rosenquist, T. A., Zaika, E., Fernandes, A. S., Zharkov, D. O., Miller, H., and Grollman, A. P. (2003) DNA Repair 2, 581-591]. We investigated the substrate specificity and excision kinetics of mNEIL1 for excision of oxidatively modified bases from high-molecular weight DNA with multiple lesions, which were generated by exposure of DNA in aqueous solution to ionizing radiation. Among a large number of pyrimidine- and purine-derived lesions detected and quantified in DNA, only purine-derived lesions 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine and 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine were significantly excised. This finding establishes that mNEIL1 and its functional homologue hNEIL1 possess common substrates, namely, 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine and 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine. Measurement of excision kinetics showed that mNEIL1 possesses equal specificity for these two formamidopyrimidines. This enzyme also excised thymine-derived lesions thymine glycol and 5-hydroxy-5-methylhydantoin, albeit at a much lower rate. A comparison of the specificity and excision kinetics of mNEIL1 with other DNA glycosylases shows that this enzyme is as efficient as those DNA glycosylases, which specifically remove the formamidopyrimidines from DNA.

Overexpression and rapid purification of Escherichia coli formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase

Formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (Fpg) is a DNA glycosylase with an associated AP lyase activity. As a DNA repair enzyme, Fpg excises several modified bases from DNA associated with exposure to oxidizing agents such as free radicals. Experiments in many laboratories have been limited by the availability of the enzyme, and its production required at least a week of work to complete its purification. We have devised a new method that decreases the time and expense of purification of Fpg that should render this protein accessible to any laboratory. Fpg was subcloned into a gamma P(L) promoter-containing vector (pRE) and overproduced in the appropriate Escherichia coli host cells to about 25% of the total cellular protein. Fpg was purified to homogeneity in a simple two-step procedure with a 50% saving in time when compared to the previously known procedure. Comparative studies showed that the excision of 8-hydroxyguanine, 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine, and 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine, and to a lesser extent, 8-hydroxyadenine was virtually identical for the Fpg purified using this method and for the Fpg purified by the original method. Therefore, this method should prove useful for a large number of laboratories and further research on oxidative DNA damage.

DNA base damage by the antitumor agent 3-amino-1,2,4-benzotriazine 1,4-dioxide (tirapazamine)

Tirapazamine is a bioreductively activated DNA-damaging agent that selectively kills the hypoxic cells found in solid tumors. This compound shows clinical promise and is currently being examined in a variety of clinical trials, including several phase III studies. It is well established that DNA is an important cellular target for tirapazamine; however, the structural nature of the DNA damage inflicted by this drug remains poorly understood. As part of an effort to understand the chemical events responsible for the hypoxia-selective cytotoxicity of this drug, the studies reported here are designed to characterize tirapazamine-mediated damage to the genetic information stored in the heterocyclic base residues of double-stranded DNA. Here, we used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to characterize and quantify oxidative DNA base damage mediated by tirapazamine. A multiplicity of modified bases including 8,5'-cyclopurine-2'-deoxynucleoside tandem lesions were identified and quantified. The results provide the first detailed insight regarding the structural identity of the DNA base lesions caused by this drug. Interestingly, it appears that the hypoxic conditions under which tirapazamine operates, along with the unique chemical properties of the drug, yield a unique variety of DNA base damage that is dominated by formamidopyrimidine and 5-hydroxy-6-hydropyrimidine lesions. Importantly, the results suggest that tirapazamine may generate a set of poorly repaired, potentially cytotoxic DNA base lesions that block DNA transcription and replication. Overall, the results indicate that DNA base damage may contribute to the biological effects of tirapazamine in vivo.

Oxidative DNA damage: biological significance and methods of analysis

All forms of aerobic life are subjected constantly to oxidant pressure from molecular oxygen and also reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced during the biochemical utilization of O2 and prooxidant stimulation of O2 metabolism. ROS are thought to influence the development of human cancer and more than 50 other human diseases. To prevent oxidative DNA damage (protection) or to reverse damage, thereby preventing mutagenesis and cancer (repair), the aerobic cell possesses antioxidant defense systems and DNA repair mechanisms. During the last 20 years, many analytical techniques have been developed to monitor oxidative DNA base damage. High-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry are the two pioneering contributions to the field. Currently, the arsenal of methods available include the promising high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technique, capillary electrophoresis, 32P-postlabeling, fluorescence postlabeling, 3H-postlabeling, antibody-base immunoassays, and assays involving the use of DNA repair glycosylases such as the comet assay, the alkaline elution assay, and the alkaline unwinding method. Recently, the use of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry has been introduced for the measurement of a number of modified nucleosides in oxidatively damaged DNA. The bulk of available chromatographic methods aimed at measuring individual DNA base lesions require either chemical hydrolysis or enzymatic digestion of oxidized DNA, following extraction from cells or tissues. The effect of experimental conditions (DNA isolation, hydrolysis, and/or derivatization) on the levels of oxidatively modified bases in DNA is enormous and has been studied intensively in the last 10 years.

Chlorella virus pyrimidine dimer glycosylase excises ultraviolet radiation- and hydroxyl radical-induced products 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine and 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine from DNA

A DNA glycosylase specific for UV radiation-induced pyrimidine dimers has been identified from the Chlorella virus Paramecium Bursaria Chlorella virus-1. This enzyme (Chlorella virus pyrimidine dimer glycosylase [cv-pdg]) exhibits a 41% amino acid identity with endonuclease V from bacteriophage T4 (T4 pyrimidine dimer glycosylase [T4-pdg]), which is also specific for pyrimidine dimers. However, cv-pdg possesses a higher catalytic efficiency and broader substrate specificity than T4-pdg. The latter excises 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyAde), a UV radiation- and hydroxyl radical-induced monomeric product of adenine in DNA. Using gas chromatography-isotope-dilution mass spectrometry and y-irradiated DNA, we show in this work that cv-pdg also displays a catalytic activity for excision of FapyAde and, in addition, it excises 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyGua). Kinetic data show that FapyAde is a better substrate for cv-pdg than FapyGua. On the other hand, cv-pdg possesses a greater efficiency for the extension of FapyAde than T4-pdg. These two enzymes exhibit different substrate specificities despite substantial structural similarities.

Substrate specificity and excision kinetics of Escherichia coli endonuclease VIII (Nei) for modified bases in DNA damaged by free radicals

Endonuclease VIII (Nei) is one of three enzymes in Escherichia coli that are involved in base-excision repair of oxidative damage to DNA. We investigated the substrate specificity and excision kinetics of this DNA glycosylase for bases in DNA that have been damaged by free radicals. Two different DNA substrates were prepared by gamma-irradiation of DNA solutions under N(2)O or air, such that they contained a multiplicity of modified bases. Although previous studies on the substrate specificity of Nei had demonstrated activity on several pyrimidine derivatives, this present study demonstrates excision of additional pyrimidine derivatives and a purine-derived lesion, 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine, from DNA containing multiple modified bases. Excision was dependent on enzyme concentration, incubation time, and substrate concentration, and followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The kinetic parameters also depended on the identity of the individual modified base being removed. Substrates and excision kinetics of Nei and a naturally arising mutant form involving Leu-90-->Ser (L90S-Nei) were compared to those of Escherichia coli endonuclease III (Nth), which had previously been determined under experimental conditions similar to those in this study. This comparison showed that Nei and Nth significantly differ from each other in terms of excision rates, although they have common substrates. The present work extends the substrate specificity of Nei and shows the effect of a single mutation in the nei gene on the specificity of Nei.

Effect of single mutations on the specificity of Escherichia coli FPG protein for excision of purine lesions from DNA damaged by free radicals

The formamidopyrimidine N-DNA glycosylase (Fpg protein) of Escherichia coli is a DNA repair enzyme that is specific for the removal of purine-derived lesions from DNA damaged by free radicals and other oxidative processes. We investigated the effect of single mutations on the specificity of this enzyme for three purine-derived lesions in DNA damaged by free radicals. These damaging agents generate a multiplicity of base products in DNA, with the yields depending on the damaging agent. Wild type Fpg protein (wt-Fpg) removes 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OH-Gua), 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyAde), and 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyGua) from damaged DNA with similar specificities. We generated five mutant forms of this enzyme with mutations involving Lys-57-->Gly (FpgK57G), Lys-57-->Arg (FpgK57R), Lys-155-->Ala (FpgK155A), Pro-2-->Gly (FpgP2G), and Pro-2-->Glu (FpgP2E), and purified them to homogeneity. FpgK57G and FpgK57R were functional for removal of FapyAde and FapyGua with a reduced activity when compared with wt-Fpg. The removal of 8-OH-Gua was different in that the specificity of FpgK57G was significantly lower for its removal from irradiated DNA, whereas wt-Fpg, FpgK57G, and FpgK57R excised 8-OH-Gua from H2O2/Fe(III)-EDTA/ascorbic acid-treated DNA with almost the same specificity. FpgK155A and FpgP2G had very low activity and FpgP2E exhibited no activity at all. Michaelis-Menten kinetics of excision was measured and kinetic constants were obtained. The results indicate an important role of Lys-57 residue in the activity of Fpg protein for 8-OH-Gua, but a lesser significant role for formamidopyrimidines. Mutations involving Lys-155 and Pro-2 had a dramatic effect with Pro-2-->Glu leading to complete loss of activity, indicating a significant role of these residues. The results show that point mutations significantly change the specificity of Fpg protein and suggest that point mutations are also expected to change specificities of other DNA repair enzymes.

Measurement of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyadenosine in DNA by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

8-Hydroxyadenine (8-OH-Ade) is one of the major lesions, which is formed in DNA by hydroxyl radical attack on the C-8 position of adenine followed by oxidation. We describe the measurement of the nucleoside form of this compound, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyadenosine (8-OH-dAdo) in DNA by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The developed methodology enabled the separation by LC of 8-OH-dAdo from intact and modified nucleosides in enzymic hydrolysates of DNA. Measurements by MS were performed using atmospheric pressure ionization-electrospray process. Isotope-dilution MS was applied for quantification using a stable isotope-labeled analog of 8-OH-dAdo. The level of sensitivity of LC/MS with selected-ion monitoring (SIM) for 8-OH-dAdo amounted to approximately 10 femtomol of this compound on the LC column. This level of sensitivity is similar to that previously reported using LC-tandem MS (LC/MS/MS) with multiple-reaction monitoring mode (MRM) (7.5 femtomol). This compound was quantified in DNA at a level of approximately one molecule/10(6) DNA bases using amounts of DNA as low as 5 microg. The results suggested that this lesion may be quantified in DNA at even lower levels, when more DNA is used for analysis. In addition, gas chromatography/isotope-dilution mass spectrometry with SIM (GC/IDMS-SIM) was applied to measure 8-OH-Ade in DNA following its removal from DNA by acidic hydrolysis. The background levels of 8-OH-dAdo and 8-OH-Ade measured by LC/IDMS-SIM and GC/IDMS-SIM, respectively, were nearly identical. In addition, DNA samples, which were exposed to ionizing radiation at different radiation doses, were analyzed by these techniques. Nearly identical results were obtained, indicating that both LC/IDMS-SIM and GC/IDMS-SIM can provide similar results. The level of sensitivity of GC/MS-SIM for 8-OH-Ade was also measured and found to be significantly greater than that of LC/MS-SIM and the reported sensitivity of LC/MS/MS-MRM for 8-OH-dAdo. The results show that the LC/MS technique is well suited for the measurement of 8-OH-dAdo in DNA.

Identification and quantification of 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxy-adenosine in DNA by liquid chromatography/ mass spectrometry

Recent studies suggested that 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine may play a role in diseases with defective nucleotide-excision repair. This compound is one of the major lesions, which is formed in DNA by hydroxyl radical attack on the sugar moiety of 2'-deoxyadenosine. It is likely to be repaired by nucleotide-excision repair rather than by base-excision repair because of a covalent bond between the sugar and base moieties. We studied the measurement of 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine in DNA by liquid chromatography/isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. A methodology was developed for the analysis of 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine by liquid chromatography in DNA hydrolyzed to nucleosides by a combination of four enzymes, i.e., DNase I, phosphodiesterases I and II, and alkaline phosphatase. Detection by mass spectrometry was performed using atmospheric pressure ionization-electrospray process in the positive ionization mode. Results showed that liquid chromatography/isotope-dilution mass spectrometry is well suited for identification and quantification of 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine in DNA. Both (5'R)- and (5'S)-diastereomers of 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine were detected. The level of sensitivity of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with selected-ion monitoring amounted to 2 fmol of this compound on the column. The yield of 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine was measured in DNA in aqueous solution exposed to ionizing radiation at doses from 2.5 to 80 Gray. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was also used to measure this compound in DNA. Both techniques yielded similar results. The yield of 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine was comparable to the yields of some of the other major modified bases in DNA, which were measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The measurement of 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry may contribute to the understanding of its biological properties and its role in diseases with defective nucleotide-excision repair.

Measurement of the main photooxidation products of 2'-deoxyguanosine using chromatographic methods coupled to mass spectrometry

Analytical methods were developed for the measurement of the main photooxidation products of 2'-deoxyguanosine (dGuo), arising from either the type I (electron transfer) or the type II (singlet oxygen) photosensitization mechanism. Oxidation of dGuo by a type I mechanism leads to the predominant formation of 2, 2-diamino-5-[2-deoxy-beta-d-erythro-pentofuranosyl)amino]-5(2H)-oxazo lone. On the other hand, the two 4R and 4S diastereomers of 4-hydroxy-8-oxo-4,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine are the main singlet oxygen-mediated dGuo oxidation products. The modified nucleosides were measured by either gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry after silylation of the sample or by high-performance liquid chromatography associated to tandem mass spectrometry. In order to improve the accuracy of the assays, isotopically labeled internal standards were synthesized for an isotope dilution mass spectrometry quantitation. The methods were successfully applied to the measurement of methylene blue- and riboflavin-mediated 2'-deoxyguanosine photooxidation reactions. The advantages of the two above-mentioned methods are discussed on the basis of comparative sensitivity and accuracy.

Isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry assay for the measurement of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in biological samples

A sensitive and specific assay aimed at measuring 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) has been developed by associating a reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation with an electrospray tandem mass spectrometric detection. The HPLC-MS approach in the single ion monitoring (SIM) mode and the HPLC-MS/MS assay in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode have been compared, using isotopically labeled [M+4] 8-oxodGuo as the internal standard. The limit of detection of 8-oxodGuo was found to be around 5 pmol and 20 fmol for the HPLC-MS and HPLC-MS/MS methods, respectively. The HPLC-MS/MS assay is sensitive enough to allow the determination of the level of 8-oxodGuo in cellular liver DNA and in urine samples.