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Repair of DNA treated with. gamma. -irradiation and chemical carcinogens. Progress report, February 1, 1976--February 28, 1977. [Endonuclease reactions in E. coli]

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7294601· OSTI ID:7294601

Enzymes from E. coli which recognize damage in DNA due to chemical carcinogens and ..gamma..-irradiation are under study. Endonuclease II, which recognizes DNA treated with methylmethane sulfonate, methylnitrosourea, 7-bromomethyl-12-methylbenz(a)anthracene and ..gamma..-irradiation. Apurinic endonuclease (endonuclease VI) recognizes apurinic and apyrimidinic acid sites. These enzymes have now been purified to homogeneity and separated from exonuclease III which other groups have thought to be identical with one or both of the endonucleases. A series of mutants of E. coli were found to lack one, two, or all of these enzymes. The genetic loci for the two endonucleases are very close to the Exonuclease III locus at 38.2 minutes. An attempt to relate in vivo sensitivity to MMS to lack of specific enzymes has been made. Substrates for endonuclease II have been examined. ..beta..-propiolactone treated DNA has been found to be substrate and details of this are being examined. The nature of the lesion in ..gamma..-irradiated DNA is under investigation. A search for mammalian enzymes which are N-glycosidases is underway.

Research Organization:
Case Western Reserve Univ., Cleveland, Ohio (USA). Dept. of Biochemistry
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-S-02-2725
OSTI ID:
7294601
Report Number(s):
COO/2725-2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English