DNA binding hydroxyl radical probes

Abstract

The hydroxyl radical is the primary mediator of DNA damage by the indirect effect of ionizing radiation. It is a powerful oxidizing agent produced by the radiolysis of water and is responsible for a significant fraction of the DNA damage associated with ionizing radiation. There is therefore an interest in the development of sensitive assays for its detection. The hydroxylation of aromatic groups to produce fluorescent products has been used for this purpose. We have examined four different chromophores which produce fluorescent products when hydroxylated. Of these, the coumarin system suffers from the fewest disadvantages. We have therefore examined its behavior when linked to a cationic peptide ligand designed to bind strongly to DNA.

Oxidative Stress and Epilepsy: Literature Review

“…These radicals often attack molecules by hydrogen abstraction and addition to unsaturation. Intensive and frequent attacks promoted by this radical cause damage to DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids and cell membranes of the nucleus and mitochondria [ 25 , 26 ].…”