Platinum–DNA crosslink (carboplatin-induced)

The platinum–DNA crosslink induced by carboplatin is a DNA lesion formed when the platinum atom in carboplatin covalently binds to DNA, typically at the N7 site on guanine bases. Carboplatin primarily creates intrastrand crosslinks but can also induce interstrand crosslinks, which are especially cytotoxic as they block separation of the DNA strands, preventing replication and transcription. These DNA crosslinks trigger the cellular DNA damage response, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis—primary mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced tumor cell death. This process is a major mechanism for the anticancer effects of carboplatin and related platinum drugs, but it is not a discrete molecular entity or classic 'target' like a receptor or enzyme.

Other names

Platinum–DNA adduct (carboplatin)Carboplatin–DNA crosslinkCarboplatin-induced DNA interstrand crosslink

Formation of DNA interstrand and intrastrand crosslinks through covalent binding of platinum to DNA (primarily at the N7 position of guanine). Crosslinking blocks DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.