DNA cross-linking

DNA cross-linking refers to the formation of covalent bonds between two nucleotides within the same strand (*intrastrand*) or across complementary strands (*interstrand*) in double-stranded DNA. This process can be triggered by exogenous agents such as chemotherapeutic alkylating agents or endogenous metabolic byproducts. Cross-links disrupt essential cellular processes like replication and transcription, often resulting in cell cycle arrest and activation of apoptotic pathways. In cancer therapy, bifunctional alkylating agents exploit this mechanism to selectively kill rapidly dividing tumor cells by overwhelming their repair capacity, ultimately inducing apoptosis[1][2]. However, because "DNA cross-linking leading to apoptosis" describes a **cellular process** rather than a discrete molecular target such as an enzyme or receptor, it is not considered a canonical therapeutic target itself but rather an outcome exploited by certain drugs[2]. If you are seeking structured information for drug targets involved in this pathway—such as specific enzymes responsible for repairing these lesions (e.g., Fanconi anemia proteins) or proteins mediating apoptosis—you should specify those molecules individually. **Note:** The entry "DNA cross-linking leading to apoptosis" is not itself a canonical molecular target but describes a mechanism/process; therefore `is_target` is false and `is_incorrect` is true according to your conventions.

Other names

DNA interstrand cross-linkDNA intrastrand cross-linkDNA-protein cross-linkCrosslinking of DNA

Induction of covalent bonds between nucleotides on the same or opposite strands of DNA, leading to inhibition of replication/transcription and triggering apoptosis[1][2].