Single-strand-specific radiosensitization of DNA by bromodeoxyuridine

Unraveling the Complexity of DNA Radiation Damage Using DNA Nanotechnology

Radiation cancer therapies use different ionizing radiation qualities that damage DNA molecules in tumor cells by a yet not completely understood plethora of mechanisms and processes. While the direct action of the radiation is significant, the byproducts of the water radiolysis, mainly secondary low-energy electrons (LEEs, <20 eV) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), can also efficiently cause DNA damage, in terms of DNA strand breakage or DNA interstrand cross-linking. As a result, these types of DNA damage evolve into mutations hindering DNA replication, leading to cancer cell death. Concomitant chemo-radiotherapy explores the addition of radiosensitizing therapeutics commonly targeting DNA, such as platinum derivatives and halogenated nucleosides, to enhance the harmful effects of ionizing radiation on the DNA molecule. Further complicating the landscape of DNA damage are secondary structures such as G-quadruplexes occurring in telomeric DNA. These structures protect DNA from radiation damage, rendering them as promising targets for new and more selective cancer radiation treatments, rather than targeting linear DNA. However, despite extensive research, there is no single paradigm approach to understanding the mysterious way in which ionizing radiation causes DNA damage. This is due to the multidisciplinary nature of the field of research, which deals with multiple levels of biological organization, from the molecular building blocks of life toward cells and organisms, as well as with complex multiscale radiation-induced effects. Also, intrinsic DNA features, such as DNA topology and specific oligonucleotide sequences, strongly influence its response to damage from ionizing radiation. In this Account, we present our studies focused on the absolute quantification of photon- and low-energy electron-induced DNA damage in strategically selected target DNA sequences. Our methodology involves using DNA origami nanostructures, specifically the Rothemund triangle, as a platform to expose DNA sequences to either low-energy electrons or vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV, <15 eV) photons and subsequent atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. Through this approach, the effects of the DNA sequence, incorporation of halogenated radiosensitizers, DNA topology, and the radiation quality on radiation-induced DNA strand breakage have been systematically assessed and correlated with fundamental photon- and electron-driven mechanisms underlying DNA radiation damage. At lower energies, these mechanisms include dissociative electron attachment (DEA), where electrons attach to DNA molecules causing strand breaks, and dissociative photoexcitation of DNA. Additionally, further dissociative processes such as photoionization and electron impact contribute to the complex cascade of DNA damage events induced by ionizing radiation. We expect that emerging DNA origami-based approaches will lead to a paradigm shift in research fields associated with DNA damage and suggest future directions, which can foster the development of technological applications in nanomedicine, e.g., optimized cancer treatments or the molecular design of optimized radiosensitizing therapeutics.

Electronic properties of DNA-related molecules containing a bromine atom

PURPOSE

To clarify the radiosensitization mechanism masking the Auger effect of the cells possessing brominated DNA, the electronic properties of DNA-related molecules containing Br were investigated by X-ray spectroscopy and specific heat measurement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) were used to measure the electronic properties of the nucleotides with and without Br. We determined the specific heat of 5-bromouracil crystals with thymine as a reference molecule at low temperatures of 3-48 K to calculate the microscopic state numbers.

RESULTS

Obtained XANES and XPS spectra indicated that both the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and the core-levels were not affected by the Br incorporation. The state numbers of 5-bromouracil calculated from the specific heats obtained around 25 K was about 1.5 times larger than that for thymine below 20 K, although the numbers were almost the same below 5 K.

DISCUSSION

Our results suggest that the Br atom may not contribute substantially to the LUMO and core-level electronic states of the molecule, but rather to the microscopic states related to the excitation of lattice vibrations, which may be involved in valence electronic states.

Low-Energy Electron Damage to Plasmid DNA in Thin Films: Dependence on Substrates, Surface Density, Charging, Environment, and Uniformity

The interaction of low-energy electrons (LEEs) with DNA plays a significant role in the mechanisms leading to biological damage induced by ionizing radiation, particularly in radiotherapy, and its sensitization by chemotherapeutic drugs and nanoparticles. Plasmids constitute the form of DNA found in mitochondria and appear as a suitable model of genomic DNA. In a search for the best LEE targets, damage was induced to plasmids, in thin films in vacuum, by 6, 10, and 100 eV electrons under single collision conditions. The yields of single- and double-strand breaks, other cluster damage, isolated base lesions, and crosslinks were measured by electrophoresis and enzyme treatment. The films were deposited on oriented graphite or polycrystalline tantalum, with or without DNA autoassembly via diaminopropane (Dap) intercalation. Yields were correlated with the influence of vacuum, film uniformity, surface density, substrates, and the DNA environment. Aided by surface potential measurements and scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images, the lyophilized Dap-DNA films were found to be the most practical high-quality targets. These studies pave the way to the fabrication of LEE target-films composed of plasmids intercalated with biomolecules that could mimic the cellular environment; for example, as a first step, by replacing Dap with an amino acid.

Radiosensitization of PC3 Prostate Cancer Cells by 5-Thiocyanato-2'-deoxyuridine

Simple Summary

Radiation therapy is one of the main treatments for cancer. However, the success of treatment by radiation therapy is largely dependent on tumor radiosensitivity. To improve therapeutic outcomes, radiation therapy should be combined with the use of a radiosensitizer which enables irradiation at lower doses with higher efficacies. 5-Thiocyanato-2′-deoxyuridine has been reported as a potential radiosensitizer of DNA damage based on advanced radiation chemical studies. In this paper, for the first time, we demonstrate the radiosensitizing properties of this modified nucleoside at the cellular level. The tested analogue increases the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to ionizing radiation which is, at least partially, related to an increase in the number of DNA double-strand breaks and cell cycle regulation.

Abstract

Purpose: The radiosensitizing properties of uracil analogs modified in the C5 position are very interesting in the context of their effectiveness and safety in radiation therapy. Recently, radiation chemical studies have confirmed that 5-thiocyanato-2′-deoxyuridine (SCNdU) undergoes dissociation induced by an excess electron attachment and established this nucleoside as a potential radiosensitizer. In this paper, we verify the sensitizing properties of SCNdU at the cellular level and prove that it can effectively enhance ionizing radiation-induced cellular death. Methods and Materials: Prostate cancer cells were treated with SCNdU and irradiated with X rays. The cytotoxicity of SCNdU was determined by MTT test. Cell proliferation was assessed using a clonogenic assay. Cell cycle analyses, DNA damage, and cell death analyses were performed by flow cytometry. Results: SCNdU treatment significantly suppressed the proliferation and increased the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells. The radiosensitizing effect expressed by the dose enhancement factor is equal to 1.69. Simultaneous exposure of cells to SCNdU and radiation causes an increase in the fraction of the most radiosensitive G2/M phase, enhancement of the histone H2A.X phosphorylation level, and apoptosis induction. Finally, SCNdU turned out to be marginally cytotoxic in the absence of ionizing radiation. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that SCNdU treatment enhances the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells in a manner associated with the cell cycle regulation, double strand formation, and a slight induction of apoptosis.

Quasi-Free Electron-Mediated Radiation Sensitization by C5-Halopyrimidines

Substitution of the thymidine moiety in DNA by C5-substituted halogenated thymidine analogues causes significant augmentation of radiation damage in living cells. However, the molecular pathway involved in such radiosensitization process has not been clearly elucidated to date in solution at room temperature. So far, low-energy electrons (LEEs; 0-20 eV) under vacuum condition and solvated electrons (esol-) in solution are shown to produce the σ-type C5-centered pyrimidine base radical through dissociative electron attachment involving carbon-halogen bond breakage. Formation of this σ-type radical and its subsequent reactions are proposed to cause cellular radiosensitization. Here, we report time-resolved measurements at room temperature, showing that a radiation-produced quasi-free electron (eqf-) in solution promptly breaks the C5-halogen bond in halopyrimidines forming the σ-type C5 radical via an excited transient anion radical. These results demonstrate the importance of ultrafast reactions of eqf-, which are extremely important in chemistry, physics, and biology, including tumor radiochemotherapy.

Hydrated electrons induce the formation of interstrand cross-links in DNA modified by cisplatin adducts

Double-stranded oligonucleotides containing cisplatin adducts, with and without a mismatched region, were exposed to hydrated electrons generated by gamma-rays. Gel electrophoresis analysis demonstrates the formation of cisplatin-interstrand crosslinks from the cisplatin-intrastrand species. The rate constant per base for the reaction between hydrated electrons and the double-stranded oligonucleotides with and without cisplatin containing a mismatched region was determined by pulse radiolysis to be 7 × 109 and 2 × 109 M-1 s-1, respectively. These results provide a better understanding of the radiosensitizing effect of cisplatin adducts in hypoxic tumors and of the formation of interstrand crosslinks, which are difficult for cells to repair.

In vivo Characterization of the Radiosensitizing Effect of a Very Low Dose of BrdU in Murine Cells Exposed to Low-Dose Radiation

The aim of the present study was to characterize the in vivo radiosensitizing effect of a very low dose of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in mice exposed to low-dose radiation by establishing the following: (1) the radiosensitizing effect during DNA synthesis using single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) in murine bone marrow cells, and (2) the number and timing of the mechanisms of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity, as well as the correlation of both end points, using flow cytometry analysis of the kinetics of micronucleus induction in reticulocytes. Groups of mice received intraperitoneal injections of 0.125 mg/g of BrdU 24 h prior to irradiation with 0.5 Gy of ⁶⁰ Co gamma rays. DNA breaks measured using SCGE were determined at 30 min after exposure to radiation. The kinetics of micronucleated reticulocyte (MN-RET) induction was determined every 8 h after irradiation up to 72 h. The results from both experimental models indicated that low-level BrdU incorporation into DNA increased the sensitivity to 0.5 Gy of radiation, particularly in the S phase. The formation of micronuclei by gamma rays was produced at three different times using two main mechanisms. In the BrdU-substituted cells, the second mechanism was associated with a high cytotoxic effect that was absent in the irradiated BrdU-unsubstituted cells. The third mechanism, in which micronucleus formation was increased in irradiated substituted cells compared with the irradiated nonsubstituted control cells, was also related to an increase in cytotoxicity. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:534-545, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Physico-Chemical Basis of DNA Radiosensitization: Implications for Cancer Radiation Therapy

High-energy radiation is used in combination with radiosensitizing therapeutics to treat cancer. The most common radiosensitizers are halogenated nucleosides and cisplatin derivatives, and recently also metal nanoparticles have been suggested as potential radiosensitizing agents. The radiosensitizing action of these compounds can at least partly be ascribed to an enhanced reactivity towards secondary low-energy electrons generated along the radiation track of the high-energy primary radiation, or to an additional emission of secondary reactive electrons close to the tumor tissue. This is referred to as physico-chemical radiosensitization. In this Concept article we present current experimental methods used to study fundamental processes of physico-chemical radiosensitization and discuss the most relevant classes of radiosensitizers. Open questions in the current discussions are identified and future directions outlined, which can lead to optimized treatment protocols or even novel therapeutic concepts.

Radiation damage to single stranded oligonucleotide trimers labelled with 5-iodopyrimidines

The radiolysis of deoxygenated aqueous solution containing trimeric oligonucleotides labelled with iodinated pyrimidines and Tris-HCl as the hydroxyl radical scavenger leads to electron attachment to the halogenated bases that mainly results in single strand breaks. The iodinated trimers are 2-fold more sensitive to solvated electrons than the brominated oligonucleotides, which is explained by the barrier-free dissociation of the iodinated base anions. The present study fills the literature gap concerning the chemistry triggered by ionizing radiation in the iodinated pyrimidines incorporated into DNA.

Formation of pyrimidine-pyrimidine type DNA intrastrand cross-links: a theoretical verification

Pyrimidine-type radicals have been demonstrated to be able to attack their 3' or 5' neighboring purine nucleotides forming diverse DNA intrastrand cross-links, but whether or not these radicals can attack their surrounding pyrimidine nucleotides forming pyrimidine-pyrimidine type DNA intrastrand cross-links remains unclear. To resolve this question, probable additions of the uracil-5-methyl (˙U_CH2) radical to the C₅[double bond, length as m-dash]C₆ double bond of its 3'/5' neighboring pyrimidine nucleotides in the four models, 5'-T(˙U_CH2)-3', 5'-C(˙U_CH2)-3', 5'-(˙U_CH2)T-3', and 5'-(˙U_CH2)C-3', are explored in the present work employing density functional theory (DFT) methods. The C₆ site of its 5' neighboring thymidine is the preferred target for ˙U_CH2 radical addition, while additions of the ˙U_CH2 radical to the C₆ and C₅ sites of its 5' neighboring deoxycytidine are found to be competitive reactions. The ˙U_CH2 radical can react with both the C₆ and C₅ sites of its 3' neighboring pyrimidine nucleotides, but the efficiencies of these reactions are predicted to be much lower than those of the corresponding addition reactions to its 5' neighboring pyrimidine nucleotides, indicating the existence of an obvious sequence effect. All the addition products could be finally transformed into closed-shell intrastrand cross-links, the molecular masses of which are found to be exactly the same as certain MS values determined in a recent study of an X-irradiated deoxygenated aqueous solution of calf thymus DNA. The present study thus not only definitely corroborates the fact that the reactive ˙U_CH2 radical can attack its 3'/5' neighboring pyrimidine nucleotides forming several pyrimidine-pyrimidine type DNA intrastrand cross-links, but also provides a plausible explanation for the identities of these structurally unknown intrastrand cross-links.

5-Selenocyanato and 5-trifluoromethanesulfonyl derivatives of 2′-deoxyuridine: synthesis, radiation and computational chemistry as well as cytotoxicity

Two 5-substituted-2′-deoxyuridine derivatives, SeCNdU and OTfdU, have been obtained and evaluated for their radiosensitizing potential.

Dominant Pathways of Adenosyl Radical-Induced DNA Damage Revealed by QM/MM Metadynamics

Brominated nucleobases sensitize double stranded DNA to hydrated electrons, one of the dominant genotoxic species produced in hypoxic cancer cells during radiotherapy. Such radiosensitizers can therefore be administered locally to enhance treatment efficiency within the solid tumor while protecting the neighboring tissue. When a solvated electron attaches to 8-bromoadenosine, a potential sensitizer, the dissociation of bromide leads to a reactive C8 adenosyl radical known to generate a range of DNA lesions. In the current work, we propose a multiscale computational approach to elucidate the mechanism by which this unstable radical causes further damage in genomic DNA. We employed a combination of classical molecular dynamics conformational sampling and QM/MM metadynamics to study the thermodynamics and kinetics of plausible reaction pathways in a realistic model, bridging between different time scales of the key processes and accounting for the spatial constraints in DNA. The obtained data allowed us to build a kinetic model that correctly predicts the products predominantly observed in experimental settings-cyclopurine and β-elimination (single strand break) lesions-with their ratio and yield dependent on the effective lifetime of the radical species. To date, our study provides the most complete description of purine radical reactivity in double stranded DNA, explaining the radiosensitizing action of electrophilic purines in molecular detail as well as providing a conceptual framework for the computational modeling of competing reaction pathways in biomolecules.

Cytosine Iminyl Radical (cytN•) Formation via Electron-Induced Debromination of 5-Bromocytosine: A DFT and Gaussian 4 Study

Halogen-substituted pyrimidines, such as 5-bromouracil and 5-iodouracil, have been used as radio therapeutic (RT) agents in cancer treatment. The radiosensitizing activity of 5-bromouracil is attributed to its reaction with electron which produce the highly reactive uracil-5-yl radical by dissociating the C5-Br bond. Using density functional methods and highly accurate Gaussian 4 (G4) theory, herein, we show that 5-bromocytosine (5-Brcyt) after reaction with electron, also, leads to the formation of cytosine-5-yl radical. However, our results show that this species can subsequently undergo a base-catalyzed tautomerization reaction to form the π-aminyl radical followed by a second tautomerization to the thermodynamically most stable σ-iminyl radical (cytN•). From the present theoretical calculations, we infer that the mechanism of the formation of cytN• by one-electron reduction of 5-Brcyt is straightforward and may take place in 5-Brcyt-labeled DNA in competition with the usual reactions expected for the cytosine-5-yl radical such as abstraction and water addition.

The Exploitation of Low-Energy Electrons in Cancer Treatment

Given the distinct characteristics of low-energy electrons (LEEs), particularly at energies less than 30 eV, they can be applied to a wide range of therapeutic modalities to improve cancer treatment. LEEs have been shown to efficiently produce complex molecular damage resulting in substantial cellular toxicities. Since LEEs are produced in copious amounts from high-energy radiation beam, including photons, protons and ions; the control of LEE distribution can potentially enhance the therapeutic radio of such beams. LEEs can play a substantial role in the synergistic effect between radiation and chemotherapy, particularly halogenated and platinum-based anticancer drugs. Radiosensitizing entities containing atoms of high atomic number such as gold nanoparticles can be a source of LEE production if high-energy radiation interacts with them. This can provide a high local density of LEEs in a cell and produce cellular toxicity. Auger-electron-emitting radionuclides also create a high number of LEEs in each decay, which can induce lethal damage in a cell. Exploitation of LEEs in cancer treatment, however, faces a few challenges, such as dosimetry of LEEs and selective delivery of radiosensitizing and chemotherapeutic molecules close to cellular targets. This review first discusses the rationale for utilizing LEEs in cancer treatment by explaining their mechanism of action, describes theoretical and experimental studies at the molecular and cellular levels, then discusses strategies for achieving modification of the distribution and effectiveness of LEEs in cancerous tissue and their associated clinical benefit.

Real-time monitoring of plasmon induced dissociative electron transfer to the potential DNA radiosensitizer 8-bromoadenine

The excitation of localized surface plasmons in noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) results in different nanoscale effects such as electric field enhancement, the generation of hot electrons and a temperature increase close to the NP surface. These effects are typically exploited in diverse fields such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), NP catalysis and photothermal therapy (PTT). Halogenated nucleobases are applied as radiosensitizers in conventional radiation cancer therapy due to their high reactivity towards secondary electrons. Here, we use SERS to study the transformation of 8-bromoadenine (^8BrA) into adenine on the surface of Au and AgNPs upon irradiation with a low-power continuous wave laser at 532, 633 and 785 nm, respectively. The dissociation of ^8BrA is ascribed to a hot-electron transfer reaction and the underlying kinetics are carefully explored. The reaction proceeds within seconds or even milliseconds. Similar dissociation reactions might also occur with other electrophilic molecules, which must be considered in the interpretation of respective SERS spectra. Furthermore, we suggest that hot-electron transfer induced dissociation of radiosensitizers such as ^8BrA can be applied in the future in PTT to enhance the damage of tumor tissue upon irradiation.

Electrophilic 5-Substituted Uracils as Potential Radiosensitizers: A Density Functional Theory Study

Although 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (5BrdU) possesses significant radiosensitizing power in vitro, clinical studies do not confirm any advantages of radiotherapy employing 5BrdU. This situation calls for a continuous search for efficient radiosensitizers. Using the proposed mechanism of radiosensitization by 5BrdU, we propose a series of 5-substituted uracils, XYU, that should undergo efficient dissociative electron attachment. The DFT-calculated thermodynamic and kinetic data concerning the XYU degradations induced by electron addition suggests that some of the scrutinized derivatives have much better characteristics than 5BrdU itself. Synthesis of these promising candidates for radiosensitizers, followed by studies of their radiosensitizing properties in DNA context, and ultimately in cancer cells, are further steps to confirm their potential applicability in anticancer treatment.

Mechanisms Responsible for High Energy Radiation Induced Damage to Single-Stranded DNA Modified by Radiosensitizing 5-Halogenated Deoxyuridines

Experimental studies showed that high energy radiation induced base release and DNA backbone breaks mainly occur at the neighboring 5' nucleotide when a single-stranded DNA is modified by radiosensitizing 5-halogenated deoxyuridines. However, no mechanism can be used to interpret these experimental observations. To better understand the radiosensitivity of 5-halogenated deoxyuridines, mechanisms involving hydrogen abstraction by the uracil-5-yl radical from the C2' and C3' positions of an adjacent nucleotide separately followed by the C3'-O3' or N-glycosidic bond rupture and the P-O3' bond breakage are investigated in the DNA sequence 5'-TU(•)-3' employing density functional theory calculations in the present study. It is found that hydrogen abstractions from both positions are comparable with the one from the C2' site slightly more favorable. The N-glycosidic bond cleavage in the neighboring 5' nucleotide following the internucleotide C2'-Ha abstraction is estimated to have the lowest activation free energies, indicating that the adjacent 5' base release dominates electron induced damage to single-stranded DNA incorporated by 5-halogenated deoxyuridines. Relative to the P-O3' bond breakage after the internucleotide C3'-H abstraction, the C3'-O3' bond rupture in the neighboring 5' nucleotide following the internucleotide C2'-Ha abstraction is predicted to have a lower activation free energy, implying that single-stranded DNA backbone breaks are prone to occur at the C3'-O3' bond site. The 5'-TU(•)-3' species has substantial electron affinity and can even capture a hydrated electron, forming the 5'-TU(-)-3' anion. However, the electron induced C3'-O3' bond rupture in 5'-TU(-)-3' anion via a pathway of internucleotide proton abstraction is only minor in both the gas phase and aqueous solution. The present theoretical predictions can interpret rationally experimental observations, thereby demonstrating that the mechanisms proposed here are responsible for high energy radiation induced damage to single-stranded DNA incorporated by radiosensitizing 5-halogenated deoxyuridines. By comparing with previous results, our work proves that the radiosensitizing action of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine is not weaker but stronger than its isomer 6-bromo-2-deoxyuridine on the basis of the available data.

5-Thiocyanato-2'-deoxyuridine as a possible radiosensitizer: electron-induced formation of uracil-C5-thiyl radical and its dimerization

In this work, we have synthesized 5-thiocyanato-2'-deoxyuridine (SCNdU) along with the C6-deuterated nucleobase 5-thiocyanatouracil (6-D-SCNU) and studied their reactions with radiation-produced electrons. ESR spectra in γ-irradiated nitrogen-saturated frozen homogeneous solutions (7.5 M LiCl in H2O or D2O) of these compounds show that electron-induced S-CN bond cleavage occurs to form a thiyl radical (dU-5-S˙ or 6-D-U-5-S˙) and CN(-)via the initial π-anion radical (SCNdU˙(-)) intermediate in which the excess electron is on the uracil base. HPLC and LC-MS/MS studies of γ-irradiated N2-saturated aqueous solutions of SCNdU in the presence of sodium formate as a OH-radical scavenger at ambient temperature show the formation of the dU-5S-5S-dU dimer in preference to dU by about 10 to 1 ratio. This shows that both possible routes of electron-induced bond cleavage (dUC5-SCN and S-CN) in SCNdU˙(-) and dU-5-S˙ formation are preferred for the production of the σ-type uracilyl radical (dU˙) by 10 fold. DFT/M06-2x/6-31++G(d,p) calculations employing the polarizable continuum model (PCM) for aqueous solutions show that dU-5-S˙ and CN(-) formation was thermodynamically favored by over 15 kcal mol(-1) (ΔG) compared to dU˙ and SCN(-) production. The activation barriers for C5-S and S-CN bond cleavage in SCNdU˙(-) amount to 8.7 and 4.0 kcal mol(-1), respectively, favoring dU-5-S˙ and CN(-) formation. These results support the experimental observation of S-CN bond cleavage by electron addition to SCNdU that results in the formation of dU-5-S˙ and the subsequent dU-5S-5S-dU dimer. This establishes SCNdU as a potential radiosensitizer that could cause intra- and inter-strand crosslinking as well as DNA-protein crosslinking via S-S dimer formation.

Mechanisms of Damage to DNA Labeled with Electrophilic Nucleobases Induced by Ionizing or UV Radiation

Hypoxia--a hallmark of solid tumors--makes hypoxic cells radioresistant. On the other hand, DNA, the main target of anticancer therapy, is not sensitive to the near UV photons and hydrated electrons, one of the major products of water radiolysis under hypoxic conditions. A possible way to overcome these obstacles to the efficient radio- and photodynamic therapy of cancer is to sensitize the cellular DNA to electrons and/or ultraviolet radiation. While incorporated into genomic DNA, modified nucleosides, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine in particular, sensitize cells to both near-ultraviolet photons and γ rays. It is believed that, in both sensitization modes, the reactive nucleobase radical is formed as a primary product which swiftly stabilizes, leading to serious DNA damage, like strand breaks or cross-links. However, despite the apparent similarity, such radio- and photosensitization of DNA seems to be ruled by fundamentally different mechanisms. In this review, we demonstrate that the most important factors deciding on radiodamage to the labeled DNA are (i) the electron affinity (EA) of modified nucleoside (mNZ), (ii) the local surroundings of the label that significantly influences the EA of mNZ, and (iii) the strength of the chemical bond holding together the substituent and a nucleobase. On the other hand, we show that the UV damage to sensitized DNA is governed by long-range photoinduced electron transfer, the efficiency of which is controlled by local DNA sequences. A critical review of the literature mechanisms concerning both types of damage to the labeled biopolymer is presented. Ultimately, the perspectives of studies on DNA sensitization in the context of cancer therapy are discussed.

Sequence dependence of electron-induced DNA strand breakage revealed by DNA nanoarrays

The electronic structure of DNA is determined by its nucleotide sequence, which is for instance exploited in molecular electronics. Here we demonstrate that also the DNA strand breakage induced by low-energy electrons (18 eV) depends on the nucleotide sequence. To determine the absolute cross sections for electron induced single strand breaks in specific 13 mer oligonucleotides we used atomic force microscopy analysis of DNA origami based DNA nanoarrays. We investigated the DNA sequences 5′-TT(XYX)₃TT with X = A, G, C and Y = T, BrU 5-bromouracil and found absolute strand break cross sections between 2.66 · 10⁻¹⁴ cm² and 7.06 · 10⁻¹⁴ cm². The highest cross section was found for 5′-TT(ATA)₃TT and 5′-TT(ABrUA)₃TT, respectively. BrU is a radiosensitizer, which was discussed to be used in cancer radiation therapy. The replacement of T by BrU into the investigated DNA sequences leads to a slight increase of the absolute strand break cross sections resulting in sequence-dependent enhancement factors between 1.14 and 1.66. Nevertheless, the variation of strand break cross sections due to the specific nucleotide sequence is considerably higher. Thus, the present results suggest the development of targeted radiosensitizers for cancer radiation therapy.

An ESR and DFT study of hydration of the 2'-deoxyuridine-5-yl radical: a possible hydroxyl radical intermediate

The mechanism of radiation-induced frank strand break formation in irradiated 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labelled DNA is still unclear despite the proven radiosensitizing properties of BrdU. Combination of ESR spectroscopy and quantum chemical modelling points to a simple reaction between the uridine-5-yl radical and water molecules that produces the genotoxic hydroxyl radical.

Biphasic mechanisms of neurovascular unit injury and protection in CNS diseases

In the past decade, evidence has emerged that there is a variety of bidirectional cell-cell and/or cell-extracellular matrix interactions within the neurovascular unit (NVU), which is composed of neuronal, glial, and vascular cells along with extracellular matrix. Many central nervous system diseases, which lead to NVU dysfunction, have common features such as glial activation/transformation and vascular/blood-brain-barrier alteration. These phenomena show dual opposite roles, harmful at acute phase and beneficial at chronic phase. This diverse heterogeneity may induce biphasic clinical courses, i.e. degenerative and regenerative processes in the context of dynamically coordinated cellcell/ cell-matrix interactions in the NVU. A deeper understanding of the seemingly contradictory actions in cellular levels is essential for NVU protection or regeneration to suppress the deleterious inflammatory reactions and promote adaptive remodeling after central nervous system injury. This mini-review will present an overview of recent progress in the biphasic roles of the NVU and discuss the clinical relevance of NVU responses associated with central nervous system diseases, such as stroke and other chronic neurodegenerative diseases.

Electron induced single strand break and cyclization: a DFT study on the radiosensitization mechanism of the nucleotide of 8-bromoguanine

Cleavage of the O-P bond in 8-bromo-2'-deoxyguanosine-3',5'-diphosphate (BrdGDP), considered as a model of single strand break (SSB) in labelled double-stranded DNA (ds DNA), is investigated at the B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) level. The thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the formation of SSB are compared to those related to the 5',8-cycloguanosine lesion. The first reaction step, common to both damage types, which is the formation of the reactive guanyl radical, proceeds with a barrier-free or low-barrier release of the bromide anion. The guanyl radical is then stabilized by hydrogen atom transfer from the C3' or C5' sites of the 2'-deoxyribose moiety to its C8 center. The C3' path, via the O-P bond cleavage, leads to a ketone derivative (the SSB model), while the C5' path is more likely to yield 5',8-cycloguanosine.

Hydrated electrons react with high specificity with cisplatin bound to single-stranded DNA

Short oligonucleotides TTTTTGTGTTT and TTTTTTTGTTT in solution with and without cisplatin (cisPt) bound to the guanine bases were irradiated with γ-rays at doses varying from 0 to 2500 Gy. To determine the effect of hydrated electrons from water radiolysis on the oligonucleotides, we quenched (•)OH radicals with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and displaced oxygen, which reacts with hydrated electrons, by bubbling the solution with wet nitrogen. DNA strand breaks and platinum detachment were quantified by gel electrophoresis. Our results demonstrate that hydrated electrons react almost exclusively at the position of the cisPt adduct, where they induce cisPt detachment from one or both guanines in the oligonucleotide. Given the high yield of hydrated electrons in irradiated tissues, this reaction may be an important step in the mechanism of radiosensitization of DNA by cisPt.

Absolute measurements of radiation damage in nanometer-thick films

The problem of absolute measurements of radiation damage in films of nanometer thicknesses is addressed. Thin films of DNA (∼2-160 nm) are deposited onto glass substrates and irradiated with varying doses of 1.5-keV X-rays under dry N(2) at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. For each different thickness, the damage is assessed by measuring the loss of the supercoiled configuration as a function of incident photon fluence. From the exposure curves, the G-values are deduced, assuming that X-ray photons interacting with DNA deposit all of their energy in the film. The results show that the G-value (i.e. damage per unit of deposited energy) increases with film thickness and reaches a plateau at 30±5 nm. This thickness dependence provides a correction factor to estimate the actual G-value for films with thicknesses <30 nm thickness. Thus, the absolute values of the damage can be compared with that of films of any thickness under different experimental conditions.

Electron-induced elimination of the bromide anion from brominated nucleobases. A computational study

The enhancement of radiodamage to DNA labeled with halonucleobases is attributed to the reactive radical produced from a halonucleobase by the attachment of an electron. We examined at the B3LYP/6-31++G** level electron capture by four brominated nucleobases (BrNBs): 8-bromo-9-methyladenine, 8-bromo-9-methylguanine, 5-bromo-1-methylcytosine, and 5-bromo-1-methyluracil followed by the release of the bromide anion and a nucleobase radical. We demonstrate that neutral BrNBs in both gas and aqueous phases are better electron acceptors than unsubstituted NBs and that resulting anion radicals, BrNBs(•-), can easily transform into the product complex of the bromide anion and the nucleobase radical ([Br(-)···NB(•)]). The overall thermodynamic stimulus for the process starting with the neutral BrNB and ending with the isolated bromide anion and the NB(•) radical is similar in the case of all four BrNBs studied, which suggests their comparable radiosensitizing capabilities.

Electron stimulated desorption of anions from native and brominated single stranded oligonucleotide trimers

We measured the low energy electron stimulated desorption (ESD) of anions from thin films of native (TXT) and bromine monosubstituted (TBrXT) oligonucleotide trimers deposited on a gold surface (T = thymidine, X = T, deoxycytidine (C), deoxyadenosine (A) or deoxyguanosine (G), Br = bromine). The desorption of H(-), CH(3)(-)/NH(-), O(-)/NH(2)(-), OH(-), CN(-), and Br(-) was induced by 0 to 20 eV electrons. Dissociative electron attachment, below 12 eV, and dipolar dissociation, above 12 eV, are responsible for the formation of these anions. The comparison of the results obtained for the native and brominated trimers suggests that the main pathways of TBrXT degradation correspond to the release of the hydride and bromide anions. Significantly, the presence of bromine in oligonucleotide trimers blocks the electron-induced degradation of nuclobases as evidenced by a dramatic decrease in CN(-) desorption. An increase in the yields of OH(-) is also observed. The debromination yield of particular oligonucleotides diminishes in the following order: BrdU > BrdA > BrdG > BrdC. Based on these results, 5-bromo-2(')-deoxyuridine appears to be the best radiosensitizer among the studied bromonucleosides.

Measurements of G values for DNA damage induced by low-energy electrons

We address the problem of measuring G values (damage per unit of deposited energy) for low-energy electrons (LEEs) below 30 eV. Such values (G(LEE)) usually have to be derived from damage yields in nanometer- (~10-nm-) thick films, which are too thin to allow complete absorption of the energy of LEEs. In this work, we determine optimum corrections to obtain reliable G(LEE) values in 2-80-nm-thick films of plasmid DNA that are not uniform. G(LEE) was found to increase with average film thickness and reach a plateau at 260 ± 50 nmol/J around 20 nm, which corresponds to the most reliable value. The previously measured G(LEE) values for films thinner than 20 nm that were underestimated can be corrected using a factor derived from the present results. This method could be used to obtain reliable G(LEE) values for other biomolecules so as to enable the comparison of LEE-induced damage to that produced by other types of radiation under various experimental conditions.

Soft X-ray and low energy electron-induced damage to DNA under N2 and O2 atmospheres

DNA damage induced by low energy electrons (LEEs) and soft X-rays is measured under dry nitrogen and oxygen at atmospheric pressure and temperature. Five-monolayer plasmid DNA films deposited on tantalum and glass substrates are exposed to Al K(α) X-rays of 1.5 keV in the two different environments. From the damage yields for DNA, G values are extracted for X-rays and LEEs. The G values for LEEs are 3.5 and 3.4 higher than those for X-ray photons under N(2) and O(2) atmospheres, respectively. Because most of the measured damage is in the form of single strand breaks (SSB), this result indicates a much higher effectiveness for LEEs relative to X-rays in causing SSB in both environments. The results indicate that the oxygen fixation mechanism, which is highly effective in increasing radiobiological effectiveness, under aerobic conditions, is operative on the type of damage created at the early stage of DNA radiolysis by LEEs.

Photoelectron spectroscopic studies of 5-halouracil anions

The parent negative ions of 5-chlorouracil, UCl(-) and 5-fluorouracil, UF(-) have been studied using anion photoelectron spectroscopy in order to investigate the electrophilic properties of their corresponding neutral halouracils. The vertical detachment energies (VDE) of these anions and the adiabatic electron affinities (EA) of their neutral molecular counterparts are reported. These results are in good agreement with the results of previously published theoretical calculations. The VDE values for both UCl(-) and UF(-) and the EA values for their neutral molecular counterparts are much greater than the corresponding values for both anionic and neutral forms of canonical uracil and thymine. These results are consistent with the observation that DNA is more sensitive to radiation damage when thymine is replaced by halouracil. While we also attempted to prepare the parent anion of 5-bromouracil, UBr(-), we did not observe it, the mass spectrum exhibiting only Br(-) fragments, i.e., 5-bromouracil apparently underwent dissociative electron attachment. This observation is consistent with a previous assessment, suggesting that 5-bromouracil is the best radio-sensitizer among these three halo-nucleobases.

Influence of organic ions on DNA damage induced by 1 eV to 60 keV electrons

We report the results of a study on the influence of organic salts on the induction of single strand breaks (SSBs) and double strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA by electrons of 1 eV to 60 keV. Plasmid DNA films are prepared with two different concentrations of organic salts, by varying the amount of the TE buffer (Tris-HCl and EDTA) in the films with ratio of 1:1 and 6:1 Tris ions to DNA nucleotide. The films are bombarded with electrons of 1, 10, 100, and 60 000 eV under vacuum. The damage to the 3197 base-pair plasmid is analyzed ex vacuo by agarose gel electrophoresis. The highest yields are reached at 100 eV and the lowest ones at 60 keV. The ratios of SSB to DSB are surprisingly low at 10 eV (∼4.3) at both salt concentrations, and comparable to the ratios measured with 100 eV electrons. At all characteristic electron energies, the yields of SSB and DSB are found to be higher for the DNA having the lowest salt concentration. However, the organic salts are more efficient at protecting DNA against the damage induced by 1 and 10 eV electrons. DNA damage and protection by organic ions are discussed in terms of mechanisms operative at each electron energy. It is suggested that these ions create additional electric fields within the groove of DNA, which modify the resonance parameter of 1 and 10 eV electrons, namely, by reducing the electron capture cross-section of basic DNA units and the lifetime of corresponding transient anions. An interstrand electron transfer mechanism is proposed to explain the low ratios for the yields of SSB to those of DSB produced by 10 eV electrons.

Radiosensitization of murine normoblasts in vivo by bromodeoxyuridine to the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of the bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical 153Sm-EDTMP

Abstract To establish a basis for a possible strategy for bone marrow ablation or therapy, we examined the effect of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into DNA on the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of samarium-153 ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonate ((153)Sm-EDTMP) in normoblasts in vivo. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were established by time-response curves of polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte (MN-PCE) frequencies, respectively, in mouse peripheral blood samples. The group treated with (153)Sm-EDTMP showed a clear induction of MN-PCEs; however, the group treated with BrdU plus (153)Sm-EDTMP paradoxically showed only a slight increase with respect to untreated controls. Treatment with (53)Sm-EDTMP caused a small reduction in PCE frequency, but exposure to BrdU or to BrdU plus (53)Sm-EDTMP reduced the PCE frequency significantly from 32 h to the end of the experiment. The PCE frequencies in the BrdU plus (53)Sm-EDTMP group were significantly lower than in the BrdU control group at the final time and were much lower than the group treated with only (53)Sm-EDTMP, which returned to basal values. The results suggest the radioinduction of a lethal lesion in BrdU-substituted DNA that cannot be repaired easily and does not permit cell division and micronucleus formation.

Protection by organic ions against DNA damage induced by low energy electrons

It is well known that electrons below 15 eV induce strand breaks in DNA essentially via the formation of transient anions which decay by dissociative electron attachment (DEA) or into dissociative electronics states. The present article reports the results of a study on the influence of organic ions on this mechanism. tris and EDTA are incorporated at various concentrations within DNA films of different thicknesses. The amino group of tris molecules and the carboxylic acid function of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) molecules together can be taken as simple model for the amino acids components of proteins, such as histones, which are intimately associated with the DNA of eukaryotic cells. The yield of single strand breaks induced by 10 eV electrons is found to decrease dramatically as a function of the number of organic ions/nucleotide. As few as 2 organic ions/nucleotide are sufficient to decrease the yield of single strand breaks by 70%. This effect is partly explained by an increase in multiple inelastic electrons scattering with film thickness but changes in the resonance parameters can also contribute to DNA protection. This can occur if the electron captures cross section and the lifetime of the transient anions (i.e., core-excited resonances) formed at 10 eV are reduced by the presence of organic ions within the grooves of DNA. Moreover, it is proposed that the tris molecules may participate in the repair of DNA anions [such as G(-H)(-)] induced by DEA on DNA bases.

Gamma-radiation induced interstrand cross-links in PNA:DNA heteroduplexes

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) efficiently hybridize with DNA and are promoted as versatile gene-targeting analytical tools and pharmaceuticals. However, PNAs have never been exploited as radiopharmaceuticals, and radiation-induced physicochemical modifications of PNA:DNA heteroduplexes have not been studied. Drug- and radiation-induced creation of covalent cross-links in DNA obstruct crucial cell survival processes such as transcription and replication and are thus considered genotoxic events with a high impact in anticancer therapies. Here we report that gamma-irradiation of complementary PNA:DNA heteroduplexes, wherein the PNA contains l-lysine, free amino, or N-methylmorpholinium N- and C-capping groups, results in the formation of irreversible interstrand cross-links (ICL). The number of detected ICL corresponds to the number of available amino functional groups on the PNA. The effect of DNA sequence on the formation of ICL was studied by modifying the terminal nucleotides of the DNA oligonucleotide to create deletions and overhangs. The involvement of abasic sites (ABS) on the DNA strand in the cross-linking reaction was confirmed by independent experiments with synthetic ABS-containing oligonucleotides. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were applied to elucidate the conformation of the N- and C-capping groups of the PNA oligomer and their interactions with the proximal terminus of the DNA. Good agreement between experimental and modeling results was achieved. Modeling indicated that the presence of positively charged capping groups on the PNA increases the conformational flexibility of the PNA:DNA terminal base pairs and often leads to their melting. This disordered orientation of the duplex ends provides conditions for multiple encounters of the short (amino) and bulky (Lys) side chains with nucleobases and the DNA backbone up to the third base pair along the duplex stem. Dangling duplex ends offer favorable conditions for increased accessibility of the radiation-induced free radicals to terminal nucleotides and their damage. It is suggested that the ICL are produced by initial formation of Schiff base adducts between the PNA amino functions and the opposed DNA oxidation-damaged bases or abasic 2'-deoxyribose-derived aldehydic groups. The subsequent reduction by solvated electrons (e(-)(aq)) or other radiation-produced reducing species results in irreversible covalent interstrand cross-links. The simultaneous involvement of oxidizing, (*)OH, and reducing, e(-)(aq), radicals presents a case in which multiple ionization events along a gamma-particle path lead to DNA injuries that also encompass ICL as part of the multiply damaged sites (MDS). The obtained results may find applications in the development of a new generation of gene-targeted radiosensitizers based on PNA vectors.

Reaching for the other side: generating sequence-dependent interstrand cross-links with 5-bromodeoxyuridine and gamma-rays

Interstrand cross-links impede critical cellular processes such as transcription and replication and are thus considered to be one of the most toxic types of DNA damage. Although several studies now point to the existence of gamma-radiation-induced cross-links in cellular DNA, little is known about the characteristics required for their creation. Recently, we reported the formation of interstrand cross-links that were specific for mismatched nucleotides within 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-substituted DNA. Given the structural specificity for interstrand cross-link formation, it is likely that open or mismatched regions of DNA in cells may be particularly favorable for cross-link production. Herein, we investigated the effect of the local DNA sequence on the formation of interstrand cross-links, using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine to generate radicals in a mismatched region of DNA. We investigated a total of 12 variations of bases in the mismatched region. The oligonucleotides were irradiated with gamma-rays, and interstrand cross-link formation was analyzed by denaturing gel electrophoresis. We found that the efficiency of cross-link formation was highly dependent on the nature of mismatched bases and, on the basis of electrophoretic mobility, observed several distinctive cross-link structures with specific DNA sequences. This study provides new insights into the reactivity of mismatched DNA and the mechanisms leading to interstrand cross-link formation. The potential application of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-induced interstrand cross-links to the field of DNA repair is discussed.

Probing the interactions of the solvated electron with DNA by molecular dynamics simulations: II. bromodeoxyuridine-thymidine mismatched DNA

The interaction of solvated electrons (e(-)(aq)) with DNA results in various types of DNA lesions. The in vitro and in vivo sensitisation of DNA to (e(-)(aq))-induced damage is achieved by incorporation of the electron-affinity radiosensitiser bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) in place of thymidine. However, in DNA duplexes containing single-stranded regions (bulged BUdR-DNA), the type of lesion is different and the efficiency of damage is enhanced. In particular, DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICL) form at high efficiency in bulged DNA but are not detectable in completely duplex DNA. Knowledge about the processes and interactions leading to these differences is obscure. Previously, we addressed the problem by applying molecular modelling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to a system of normal (BUdR.A)-DNA and a hydrated electron, where the excess electron was modelled as a localised e(-)(H2O6) anionic cluster. The goal of the present study was to apply the same MD simulation to a wobble DNA-e(-)(aq) system, containing a pyrimidine-pyrimidine mismatched base pair, BUdR.T. The results show an overall dynamic pattern similar to that of the e(-)(aq) motion around normal DNA. However, the number of configuration states when e(-)(aq)) was particularly close to DNA is different. Moreover, in the (BUdR.T)-wobble DNA system, the electron frequently approaches the brominated strand, including BUdR, which was not observed with the normal (BUdR.A)-DNA. The structure and exchange of water at the sites of e(-)(aq) immobilisation near DNA were also characterised. The structural dynamics of the wobble DNA is prone to more extensive perturbations, including frequent formation of cross-strand (cs) interatomic contacts. The structural deviations correlated with e(-)(aq) approaching DNA from the major groove side, with sodium ions trapped deep in the minor groove. Altogether, the obtained results confirm and/or throw light on dynamic-structure determinants possibly responsible for the enhanced radiation damage of wobble DNA.

Probing the interactions of the solvated electron with DNA by molecular dynamics simulations: bromodeoxyuridine substituted DNA

Solvated electrons ((e-)(aq)) are produced during water radiolysis and can interact with biological substrates, including DNA. To augment DNA damage, radiosensitizers such as bromo-deoxyuridine (BUdR), often referred to as an "electron affinic radiosensitizer", are incorporated in place of isosteric thymidine. However, little is known about the primary interactions of (e-)(aq) with DNA. In the present study we addressed this problem by applying molecular modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to a system of normal (BUdR.A)-DNA and a hydrated electron, where the excess electron was modeled as a localized (e-)(H2O)6 anionic cluster. Our goals were to evaluate the suitability of the MD simulations for this application; to characterize the motion of (e-)(aq) around DNA (e.g., diffusion coefficients); to identify and describe configurational states of close (e-)(aq) localization to DNA; and to evaluate the structural dynamics of DNA in the presence of (e-)(aq). The results indicate that (e-)(aq) has distinct space-preferences for forming close contacts with DNA and is more likely to interact directly with nucleotides other than BUdR. Several classes of DNA - (e-)(aq) contact sites, all within the major groove, were distinguished depending on the structure of the intermediate water layer H-bonding pattern (or its absence, i.e., a direct H-bonding of (e-)(aq) with DNA bases). Large-scale structural perturbations were identified during and after the (e-)(aq) approached the DNA from the major groove side, coupled with deeper penetration of sodium counterions in the minor groove.

Identification and biological evaluation of a novel and potent small molecule radiation sensitizer via an unbiased screen of a chemical library

For patients with solid tumors, the tolerance of surrounding tissues often limits the dose of radiation that can be delivered. Thus, agents that preferentially increase the cytotoxic effects of radiation toward tumor cells would significantly alter the therapeutic ratio and improve patient survival. Using a high-throughput, unbiased screening approach, we have identified 4'-bromo-3'-nitropropiophenone (NS-123) as a radiosensitizer of human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. NS-123 radiosensitized U251 glioma cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, with dose enhancement ratios ranging from 1.3 to 2.0. HT-29 colorectal carcinoma and A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells were also radiosensitized by NS-123 in vitro, whereas NS-123 did not increase the radiation sensitivity of normal human astrocytes or developmental abnormalities or lethality of irradiated Zebrafish embryos. In a novel xenograft model of U251 cells implanted into Zebrafish embryos, NS-123 enhanced the tumor growth-inhibitory effects of ionizing radiation (IR) with no apparent effect on embryo development. Similar results were obtained using a mouse tumor xenograft model in which NS-123 sensitized U251 tumors to IR while exhibiting no overt toxicity. In vitro pretreatment with NS-123 resulted in accumulation of unrepaired IR-induced DNA strand breaks and prolonged phosphorylation of the surrogate markers of DNA damage H2AX, ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein, DNA-dependent protein kinase, and CHK2 after IR, suggesting that NS-123 inhibits a critical step in the DNA repair pathway. These results show the potential of this cell-based, high-throughput screening method to identify novel radiosensitizers and suggest that NS-123 and similar nitrophenol compounds may be effective in antiglioma modalities.

Direct observation of the transition state of ultrafast electron transfer reaction of a radiosensitizing drug bromodeoxyuridine

Replacement of thymidine in DNA by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) has long been known to enhance DNA damage and cell death induced by ionizing/UV radiation, but the mechanism of action of BrdU at the molecular level is poor understood. Using time-resolved femtosecond laser spectroscopy, we obtain the real-time observation of the transition state of the ultrafast electron transfer (ET) reaction of BrdU with the precursor to the hydrated electron, which is a general product in ionizing/UV radiation. The results show that the ET reaction is completed within 0.2 picosecond (ps) after the electronic excitation, leading to the formation of a transition state BrdU*- with a lifetime of approximately 1.5 ps that then dissociates into Br- and a high reactive radical dU*. The present results can greatly enhance our understanding not only of the mechanism of BrdU as a radio-/photosensitizer but of the role of prehydrated electrons in electron-initiated processes in biological and environmental systems.

Dissociative electron attachment to hydrated single DNA strands

The present experiments concern electron interactions with a film of short single strands of DNA covered by 3 monolayers of water, which corresponds to 5.25 water molecules per nucleotide. We report on the desorption of H{-}, O{-}, OH{-} from this target induced by 3-20 eV electrons. Below 15 eV, these anions emanate principally from a new type of dissociative core-excited transient anions formed via electron capture by a DNA- H2O complex. A smaller portion of the H{-} desorption signal arises from weakly bonded H2O molecules. The overall anion yield from DNA is increased by a factor of 1.6 owing to the presence of water.

Sequence-dependent formation of intrastrand crosslink products from the UVB irradiation of duplex DNA containing a 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine or 5-bromo-2'-deoxycytidine

The replacement of thymidine with 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (^BrdU) is well-known to sensitize cells to ionizing radiation and photoirradiation. We reported here the sequence-dependent formation of intrastrand crosslink products from the UVB irradiation of duplex oligodeoxynucleotides harboring a ^BrdU or its closely related 5-bromo-2′-deoxycytidine (^BrdC). Our results showed that two types of crosslink products could be induced from d(^BrCG), d(^BrUG), d(G^BrU), or d(A^BrU); the C(5) of cytosine or uracil could be covalently bonded to the N(2) or C(8) of its neighboring guanine, and the C(5) of uracil could couple with the C(2) or C(8) of its neighboring adenine. By using those crosslink product-bearing dinucleoside monophosphates as standards, we demonstrated, by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), that all the crosslink products described above except d(G[N(2)-5]U) and d(G[N(2)-5]C) could form in duplex DNA. In addition, LC-MS/MS quantification results revealed that both the nature of the halogenated pyrimidine base and its 5′ flanking nucleoside affected markedly the generation of intrastrand crosslink products. The yields of crosslink products were much higher while the 5′ neighboring nucleoside was a dG than while it was a dA, and ^BrdC induced the formation of crosslink products much more efficiently than ^BrdU. The formation of intrastrand crosslink products from these halopyrimidines in duplex DNA may account for the photosensitizing effects of these nucleosides.