Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and cellular macromolecules (DNA)

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the fundamental molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses [1]. In the context of pharmacology and toxicology, DNA and other cellular macromolecules (including proteins and lipids) serve as primary targets for various cytotoxic agents and reactive metabolites [2]. These drugs interact with DNA through several mechanisms, such as covalent binding (alkylation), non-covalent insertion between base pairs (intercalation), or the induction of single- and double-strand breaks, which collectively inhibit DNA replication and transcription [3]. While these interventions are highly effective at inducing apoptosis in rapidly proliferating malignant cells, their lack of high specificity often results in significant damage to healthy tissues [4]. This non-specific interaction is a hallmark of traditional chemotherapy and underlies many of the severe side effects and long-term risks, such as secondary primary malignancies and organ toxicity, associated with these treatments [2, 4].

Other names

Genetic materialGenomic DNANucleic acidsCellular macromoleculesDeoxyribonucleic acid

Direct chemical modification of DNA through alkylation and cross-linking, physical insertion between base pairs (intercalation), and the induction of oxidative or enzymatic DNA strand breaks [2, 3].