Radioprotection of DNA by spermine: a molecular modelling approach.
OBJECTIVE
To observe and explain the sequence-dependence of DNA radioprotection by spermine.


METHODS
Sequencing gel electrophoresis was used to analyse the probability of frank strand break (FSB) induction at each nucleotide site. Molecular modelling of complexes of DNA with spermine molecules and of a curved electrically null DNA has been performed.


RESULTS
The effect of spermine on radiation-induced strand breakage varied significantly along the studied fragment. At low spermine concentration, some sequences were protected while others were unprotected. Molecular modelling calculations show that the most electro-negative sites are located in the minor or in the major groove of DNA. The positively charged spermine (Z=+4) should preferentially bind to such sites. When bound in the minor groove, spermine triggers a reduction of the accessibility of radiolytic attack sites to OH* radicals. This is due to induced structural modifications and to the masking of attack sites. In the case of major groove binding, no reduction of accessibility occurs. This type of binding can explain the lack of protection of sequences with electro-negative sites in the major groove. At high spermine concentration, the fragment is strongly protected. A nucleosome-like pattern of breakage with periodically distributed regions of protection was observed. Molecular modelling calculations show that the accessibility of the attack sites in a curved electrically null DNA is also periodically reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
Molecular modelling of DNA-spermine complexes that takes into account the electrostatic properties of DNA, allows an explanation of the experimentally observed effects of spermine on DNA radiosensitivity.
Sy
D
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Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS, Orléans, France.
Hugot
S
S
Savoye
C
C
Ruiz
S
S
Charlier
M
M
Spotheim-Maurizot
M
M
D001483:Base Sequence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004247:DNA / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D018736:DNA Adducts / Q000528:radiation effects; D004249:DNA Damage; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D011836:Radiation Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013096:Spermine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D055672:Static Electricity
D018736:DNA Adducts; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D013096:Spermine; D004247:DNA