Molecular Classification
Other
Disease Roles
CancerCarcinogenesis

DNA Cross-Linking Overview

DNA cross-linking refers to the formation of covalent bonds between two nucleotides within DNA, either on the same strand (intrastrand) or between opposite strands (interstrand). This process can be induced by various exogenous agents (such as chemotherapeutic drugs and environmental toxins) or endogenous cellular processes. The resulting crosslinks disrupt essential cellular functions like DNA replication and transcription, often leading to cell death if not properly repaired.

Mechanism of Action

Crosslinking agents form covalent bonds between nucleotide bases, disrupting DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death.

Biological Functions

Disrupts replication
Disrupts transcription
Cell cycle arrest
Apoptosis
Mutation
Genomic instability

Disease Associations

Cancer
Carcinogenesis

Safety Considerations

  • Toxicity toward normal tissues with high proliferation rates (e.g., bone marrow, gastrointestinal epithelium)
  • Drug resistance (enhanced drug efflux pumps, upregulation of repair pathways)
  • Mutations
  • Chromosomal instability

Interacting Drugs

Cisplatin
Melphalan
Nitrogen mustards
Mitomycin C