DNA-CLEAVING POTENTIALS OF MACROMOMYCIN AND AUROMOMYCIN - COMPARATIVE-STUDY

The DNA-cutting activities of macromomycin and auromomycin were compared, with isolated SV40 and PM2 DNAs, by analysis with alkaline sucrose density gradient centrifugation and agarose gel electrophoresis. DNA cleavage was induced by auromomycin without any supplement, but not significantly by macromomycin without reducing agents. Among the agents tested, dithiothreitol and NaBH4 were effective, but 2-mercaptoethanol, NADPH, cytochrome C and ascorbic acid were not so effective for macromomycin to cause DNA strand scission. The results showed that macromomycin may be transformed to an active form in tumor cells to cleave DNA strand, while auromomycin may attack DNA without modification in the cells. © 1979.