Photodynamic inhibition of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I by 8-methoxypsoralen plus near ultraviolet irradiation

Isolation and partial characterization of a novel psoralen-tyrosine photoconjugate from a photoreaction of psoralen with a natural protein

The photoreaction of psoralens with DNA is a well-characterized reaction. However, the photoreactions of psoralens with proteins is not very well understood. Our objective was to isolate an amino acid-psoralen photochemical adduct. We photoreacted 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) with T7 RNA polymerase, a protein that carries out the fundamental biological process of transcription. Amino acid composition analysis of the photoreacted polymerase revealed that tyrosines quantitatively reacted with 8-MOP. From the acid hydrolysates of the photoconjugated T7 RNA polymerase, an 8-MOP-tyr adduct was partially purified by HPLC. The purified 8-MOP-tyr adduct and related parent compounds were analyzed by UV-visible absorption, fluorescence and mass spectroscopy. Excitation/absorption spectra suggested that the pyrone of the original 8-MOP was modified in the isolated photoadduct, and that the adduct probably contained a benzofuran. Chemical ionization mass spectrometry was consistent with the photoaddition of tyr to 8-MOP with a conservation of the overall mass (+/-1 atomic mass units). As far as we know, this work represents the first instance of isolation and partial characterization of an amino acid-psoralen photoadduct.

Cross-linking of DNA-binding proteins to DNA with psoralen and psoralen furan-side monoadducts. Comparison of action spectra with DNA-DNA cross-linking

We have developed a novel photocross-linking technique using free 8-methoxypsoralen and DNA furan-side monoadducts plus long wave ultraviolet light (UVA). Both sequence-specific (Max) and nonspecific (RecA and T7 RNA polymerase) DNA-binding proteins were cross-linked. The macroscopic equilibrium binding constant ( approximately 10(9) M-1) and DNase I footprinting indicated that binding of Max to its cognate sequence (E-box) was unimpaired by 8-methoxypsoralen and that cross-linking occurred in normal complexes. RecA protein and T7 RNA polymerase were cross-linked to a 12-mer DNA furan-side monoadduct with UVA. Cross-link yields were directly proportional to the UVA dose. Cross-links were stable to 8 M urea, 1-10% SDS, commonly used alcohols, and mild acids (5% trichloroacetic acid). The DNA in cross-links was reversed with 254 nm UV (photoreversal) or with hot base (base-catalyzed reversal), consistent with (2 + 2) cycloaddition via the 4',5'-furan of the psoralen. Comparative action spectra for DNA-DNA cross-linking and DNA-protein cross-linking revealed that the latter occurred maximally at 300 nm, while the former occurred maximally at 320 nm. This 20-nm blue shift suggested a higher potential energy surface for an excited psoralen participating in protein-DNA cross-linking as compared with DNA-DNA cross-linking. As with DNA-DNA cross-linking, DNA-protein cross-linking is a two-photon process. Absorption of the first photon formed a 4',5'-adduct with DNA, which then absorbed a second photon, leading to cross-linking to protein. Based on the action spectra and the known excited states of psoralen, it is suggested that the triplet n,pi* transition localized in the C-2=O of psoralen may be involved in protein-psoralen photoreactions.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms in photochemical sensitization: studies on the mechanism of action of psoralens

The interaction of chemicals and light to induce sensitization reactions in the skin is a complex multistep process resulting in physiological changes in both the dermal and epidermal cell layers as well as characteristic inflammatory reactions. It is becoming increasingly apparent that an array of growth factors and cytokines acting on different components of the skin are involved in the regulation of these processes. One of the best characterized classes of chemical photosensitizers are the psoralens, a group of compounds that must be activated by UV light in wavelengths ranging from 320 to 400 nm (UVA) to initiate their biological actions. Recent evidence suggests that the ability of the psoralens to induce sensitization reactions, which include alterations in epidermal cell growth and differentiation, is highly specific and due to interactions with the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Specific receptor proteins for the psoralens have been identified in cytoplasmic and membrane fractions of responsive cells. Binding of psoralens to these proteins is of high affinity and reversible. UVA light causes psoralens to photoalkylate their receptors, a process thought to activate the receptor. One early biochemical event at the cell surface membrane linked to psoralen-receptor activation is the inhibition of EGF binding and alterations in the structure and function of the EGF receptor. These findings suggest that the cell surface membrane is an important target for chemical photosensitizers such as the psoralens. In addition, since photoactivated psoralens modulate epidermal cell growth and differentiation, the ability of these compounds to modify the function of the EGF receptor may underlie their biological activity as chemical photosensitizers.

Mechanisms of photodynamic effects of furocoumarins

The photosensitizing action of furocoumarins on biological systems occurs by both an oxygen-independent pathway, which involves the photoaddition of the sensitizer to nucleic acids, proteins and lipids, and an oxygen-dependent pathway, which includes furocoumarins in the category of photodynamic sensitizers. The photodynamic action of furocoumarins, as studied using isolated biomolecules, human erythrocytes and human skin, appears to involve both activated oxygen species (singlet oxygen, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals) and radical species formed by electron transfer from or to photoexcited furocoumarins. Another oxygen-dependent process involves the formation of photo-oxidized furocoumarin derivatives, which can react in the dark with several substrates (in particular, membrane components), causing an irreversible damage of cells. The latter type of process is temperature dependent. The relative importance of the different photosensitization mechanisms under various experimental conditions is discussed.

Therapeutic potential of plant photosensitizers

Many bioactive phytochemicals have been shown in recent years to be photosensitizers, i.e. their toxic activities against viruses, micro-organisms, insects or cells are dependent on or are augmented by light of certain wavelengths. These activities are often selective, and this has led to the concept of therapeutic prospects in the control of infectious diseases, pests and cancer. Reaction mechanisms commonly involve singlet oxygen and radicals, which are thought to cause photodamage to membranes or macromolecules. The main classes of plant photosensitizers reviewed here are polyyines (acetylenes, thiophenes and related compounds); furanyl compounds; beta-carbolines and other alkaloids; and complex quinones. We propose that within each group of phytochemicals there are several representatives that merit further study for therapeutic abilities in appropriate animal models.

Plant photosensitizers with antiviral properties

Many antiviral compounds obtained from plants are photosensitizers, i.e., their biological properties are dependent upon or augmented by light of specific wavelengths, commonly long wave ultraviolet, UVA. Three groups of chemically distinct plant photosensitizers have been investigated in some detail in regard to antiviral properties. These are (a) thiophenes and polyacetylenes; (b) furyl compounds; (c) certain alkaloids. Some of the thiophenes and their acetylenic derivatives possess extremely potent phototoxic activities toward membrane-containing viruses. These activities are markedly affected by the chemical structures of these compounds. Inactivated virus retains its integrity, however, and penetrates cells, but does not replicate. Their mechanism of action is believed to occur via singlet-oxygen damage to the membranes, although other targets cannot be ruled out. In contrast, the antiviral activities of plant furyl compounds (such as psoralens and furanochromones) appear to depend on UVA-mediated covalent adduct formation with the viral genomes. Some of the photoactive beta-carboline alkaloids also have impressive antiviral activities, especially against viruses with single-stranded genomes. These and other types of alkaloids appear to work by mechanisms that do not require covalent bonding to nucleic acids, and may also involve other target molecules as well. Some of these compounds have potent antiviral activities at concentrations well below cytotoxic levels, and accordingly should be tested in animal models.

Lysosomes: a possible target for psoralen photodamage

Treatment in vitro of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells or human fibroblasts with 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP, 2.4 microM) and UVA irradiation results in a 30% and 60% respectively reduction in lysosomal beta-galactosidase activity in situ. Under identical conditions one 8-MOP adduct was formed per 2 X 10(4) bases of DNA, one 8-MOP adduct was formed per approximately 10(4) tRNA molecules and one per approximately 100 ribosomes. It is suggested that the decrease in lysosomal beta-galactosidase activity is a result of leakage through the lysosomal membrane caused by psoralen-UVA damage of the lipids in the membrane, since no effect was found on beta-galactosidase in vitro. These results indicate that the lysosomes may also be a target for cellular photodamage by 8-methoxy-psoralen.

Syntheses of rRNA, 5.8S, 5S and tRNA are inhibited equally by 8-methoxypsoralen phototreatment of Tetrahymena thermophila

Treatment of the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila with 8-methoxypsoralen combined with long wavelength ultraviolet irradiation (UVA, lambda approximately 360 nm) resulted in a dose dependent equal inhibition of the synthesis of rRNA, 5.8S, 5S and tRNA. Similar results were obtained with 3-carbethoxy-8-methoxypsoralen which predominantly forms DNA mono-adducts. In contrast the synthesis of tRNA in T. thermophila was much less sensitive than that of rRNA, 5.8S and 5S RNA to treatment with short wavelength ultraviolet irradiation (UVB, lambda approximately 254 nm). These results are interpreted in favor of a mechanism by which psoralen-DNA adducts (crosslinks much greater than monoadducts) inhibit RNA transcription initiation (in contrast to UVB which causes premature chain termination). Furthermore it is argued that RNA synthesis is regulated in equally sized domains regardless of the gene-size.

Psoralens and related compounds in the treatment of psoriasis

PUVA therapy has radically altered the management of severe psoriasis. It is of greatest benefit in those patients with extensive involvement, and in those unresponsive to conventional therapy. The long term side effects of PUVA currently limit its use to patients with disabling disease. The full extent of long term side effects has yet to be defined. In order to reduce the toxicity and improve the efficacy of PUVA, a better understanding of the molecular aspects of psoralen-DNA interaction, DNA repair, and mutagenesis is required. The action spectrum of PUVA in clearing psoriasis has yet to be defined. By limiting the spectrum of UVA exposure it may be possible to reduce some of the toxic effects of PUVA. The recent advances in the formulation of 8-MOP preparations has yielded a drug with more predictable pharmacokinetics and clinical response. Further research with newer psoralens may produce more effective and less toxic compounds. In the last ten years, PUVA has been both a valuable addition to dermatologists' clinical armamentarium and a useful tool in increasing our understanding of cellular biology and the interaction between ultraviolet radiation and biologic systems.

Drug-induced photosensitivity: phototoxic and photoallergic reactions--a few molecular aspects

Drug-induced photosensitivity involves mainly phototoxic and photoallergic reactions. The main features of phototoxic and photoallergic reactions are presented and some molecular aspects involved in the mechanisms leading to an adverse skin response are illustrated with examples.

Photosensitization of mammalian cells by psoralens and porphyrins

Because of the ability of photosensitizers to induce specific photochemical reactions in vivo, leading to cell injury and death, many such molecules have been considered as therapeutic agents. Among them two classes of sensitizers, i.e. furocoumarins (psoralens) and porphyrins, are currently used for the photochemotherapy of various skin diseases and malignant lesions. Different types of cell responses can result according to the intracellular localization of the photosensitizer and to the nature of the photochemistry induced by the chromophore which absorbs photons. In this review, the cytological aspects of photosensitization by psoralens and porphyrins will be discussed.

Lethal and mutagenic effects photoinduced in haploid yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) by two new monofunctional pyridopsoralens compared to 3-carbethoxypsoralen and 8-methoxypsoralen

The photobiological effects of two monofunctional pyridopsoralens (PPs), pyrido[3,4-c]psoralen and pyrido[3,4-c]-7-methylpsoralen were studied and compared to those of 3-carbethoxypsoralen (3-CPs) and 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) in a haploid wild-type strain of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The capacity of PPs to photoinduce lethal effects in the presence of 365-nm radiation was not only higher than that of the monofunctional compound 3-CPs, but also higher than that of the bifunctional compound 8-MOP. This activity was apparently independent of oxygen, and it was found that it was probably due to the induction of monoadducts in DNA. A high effectiveness of PPs on the induction of cytoplasmic 'petite' mutations was observed suggesting a high photoaffinity towards mitochondrial DNA. In contrast to 8-MOP, the strong cell killing activity of PPs was not accompanied by a strong inducing effect on nuclear mutations (HIS+ reversions or canR forward mutations). For these endpoints, PPs were less effective per unit dose of 365-nm radiation and also less efficient per viable cell than 8-MOP. From this, it appears that the lesions photoinduced by the former compounds show a more lethal than (nuclear) mutagenic potential. Furthermore, the fact that PPs were even less mutagenic (nuclear) per viable cell than the monofunctional compound 3-CPs suggests that the activity of these agents may differ in frequency and nature of lesions induced. The photobiological activity of PPs in haploid yeast appears to be in line with the recent proposition for their use in photochemotherapy.

Frameshift mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium of furocoumarins in the dark

The dark mutagenicity of 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (4,5',8-TMP), 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP), 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), 3-carbethoxypsoralen (3-CPs) and two new pyridopsoralens (PyPs and MePyPs) was tested using the Ames Salmonella plating assay in the absence of metabolic activation. 4,5',8-TMP, 8-MOP and the two pyridopsoralens were found to be weak frameshift mutagens in strain TA1537 whereas 5-MOP and 3-CPs did not demonstrate any significant mutagenic activity. These findings support the notion that the genetic risks of these psoralens in the dark may be considered to be negligible.