title: [Cross-linked nucleic acids: formation, structure, and biological function].
abstract: Published data on the main types of reagents capable of introducing covalent interstrand cross links into nucleic acids (NA) are summarized in the present review. The reactivity of cross-linking agents, their preferred binding sites, and methods of determining the cross-link localization in a duplex are discussed. Cell response to DNA cross linking, namely, the blocking of replication and transcription, the initiation of reparation processes, and apoptotic death of the cell, are analyzed, as well as the use of cross-linking reagents in therapy and molecular biology.
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Efimov
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Fediunin
authors.forename: O G
authors.initials: OG
authors.lastname: Chakhmakhcheva
mesh_terms: D000477:Alkylating Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D000478:Alkylation; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009692:Nucleic Acid Heteroduplexes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000477:Alkylating Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D009692:Nucleic Acid Heteroduplexes; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA