DNA ADDUCT RESEARCH WITH CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS

DNA's central importance in all biological systems dictates a wide variety of DNA-related research. For much of this research, the utilization of capillary electrophoresis (CE) can be of significant advantage. Open-tube CE yields excellent separations of DNA components, which can be monitored in a nearly 'real-time' manner by uv absorbance detection. Similar CE techniques enable the monitoring and optimization of enzymatic reactions. During DNA hydrolysis, both the reactants and the products can be simultaneously observed. DNA adducts (covalent additions of compounds to the DNA components) can similarly be analyzed by CE with uv detection. Many adduct nucleotides elute in a region of the electropherogram free from interferences due to the nonadducted components. Improved limits of detection are achieved when sample stacking techniques are utilized. Improved separations can result when the CE analysis involves micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. © 1994 Academic Press, Inc. All rights reserved.