DNA (cisplatin-induced crosslinking)

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent that exerts its cytotoxic effects primarily by binding to DNA and forming various types of cross-links. These cross-links disrupt essential cellular processes such as DNA replication and transcription, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The main types of crosslinks formed are intrastrand (most common), interstrand, and DNA-protein crosslinks. Cells rely on repair mechanisms like NER and the Fanconi anemia pathway to resolve these adducts.

Cisplatin binds to DNA, forming intrastrand and interstrand crosslinks, as well as DNA-protein crosslinks, which inhibit DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.