DNA crosslinking induced by platinum compounds

DNA crosslinking induced by platinum compounds refers to the chemical process wherein agents such as cisplatin bind covalently to DNA—forming intra- and interstrand DNA crosslinks, and DNA–protein crosslinks. These lesions are recognized as severe damage by cells, activating complex DNA repair mechanisms. Failure to repair crosslinks leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, serving as the basis for the anticancer activity of platinum drugs. Key clinical challenges include resistance mediated by increased DNA repair and substantial toxicity affecting the kidney, nervous system, hearing, and bone marrow.

Other names

DNA crosslinkingDNA damage inductionDNA adduct formationDNA–protein crosslinkingPt-DNA adducts

Formation of covalent DNA adducts (intrastrand, interstrand, DNA–protein crosslinks); Disruption of replication and transcription, triggering cell death; DNA repair pathway activation (e.g. NER, homologous recombination, BER, MMR, non-homologous end joining)