Abstract |
Mutagen-sensitive strains that identify 16 different Drosophila genes have been screened for alterations in DNA metabolic enzymes. A characteristic defect in an acid-active deoxyribonuclease was observed in strains carrying the six available mutant alleles of the mus308 gene. Since that enzyme is detected at normal levels in a mutant strain that is deficient in the previously identified enzymes DNase 1 and DNase 2, it represents a new Drosophila nuclease that is designated Nuclease 3. The mus308 mutants were originally distinguished from all other mutagen-sensitive mutants of Drosophila because they exhibit hypersensitivity to the DNA cross-linking agent nitrogen mustard without expressing a concurrent sensitivity to the monofunctional agent methyl methanesulfonate. Further observations of hypersensitivity to the mutagens trimethylpsoralen, diepoxybutane and cis-platinum now establish a more general sensitivity of these mutants to agents capable of generating DNA cross-links. In spite of the hypersensitivity of the mus308 mutants to DNA cross-linking agents, the initial incision step of DNA cross-link repair is normal in mus308 cells as assayed by the alkaline elution procedure. The Drosophila mus308 mutants show promise of providing a useful model for analogous defects in other organisms including man.
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Authors | J B Boyd, K Sakaguchi, P V Harris |
Journal | Genetics
(Genetics)
Vol. 125
Issue 4
Pg. 813-9
(Aug 1990)
ISSN: 0016-6731 [Print] United States |
PMID | 2397884
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Cross-Linking Reagents
- Mutagens
- Mechlorethamine
- DNA
- Deoxyribonucleases
- Ficusin
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Topics |
- Animals
- Cross-Linking Reagents
- DNA
(drug effects)
- DNA Repair
- Deoxyribonucleases
(genetics, metabolism)
- Drosophila
(enzymology, genetics)
- Ficusin
(pharmacology)
- Genes
- Mechlorethamine
(pharmacology)
- Mutagens
- Mutation
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