A proposed function for spermine and spermidine: protection of replicating DNA against damage by singlet oxygen.
Like all aliphatic amines, the polyamines spermine and spermidine are physical quenchers of singlet molecular oxygen (1O2*). The rate constants of these processes were determined in vitro with photochemically generated 1O2* and the hydrocarbon rubrene as substrate, in pyridine. At millimolar concentration, spermine and spermidine should quench 1O2* in vivo and prevent it from damaging DNA. It is proposed that a biological function of polyamines is the protection of replicating DNA against oxidative damage.
Khan
A U
AU
Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
Mei
Y H
YH
Wilson
T
T
D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry; D004249:DNA Damage; D004261:DNA Replication; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D013095:Spermidine / Q000502:physiology*; D013096:Spermine / Q000502:physiology*
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D013096:Spermine; D004247:DNA; D013095:Spermidine