DNA Crosslinking via Active Metabolite

DNA crosslinking via active metabolites refers to the process where reactive metabolic byproducts form covalent bonds between two nucleotides within DNA, or between DNA and proteins. These crosslinks can be either intrastrand (within the same strand) or interstrand (between opposite strands of double-stranded DNA), and they significantly disrupt essential cellular processes such as replication and transcription, often leading to cell death. Active metabolites like methylglyoxal (MGO) and formaldehyde, as well as chemotherapeutic drugs, can induce these crosslinks. The cytotoxicity associated with persistent DNA crosslinking underpins its use in chemotherapy, while persistent or misrepaired crosslinks contribute to mutagenesis and genomic instability.

Other names

DNA adductsDNA interstrand crosslinksDNA intrastrand crosslinksDNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs)

Formation of covalent crosslinks between DNA strands or between DNA and proteins by reactive metabolites, leading to replication and transcription blockage.