Exploration of small hydroxy‐9,10‐anthraquinones as anthracycline analogues: physicochemical characteristics and DNA binding for comparison

Hydroxy‐9,10‐anthraquinones resemble anthracycline‐based anticancer drugs. By varying the pH of the solution, the proton dissociation constants of 1,2,5,8‐tetrahydroxy‐9,10‐anthraquinone (THAQ) were determined. Interaction of THAQ with calf thymus DNA (ct DNA) was studied by UV–Vis spectroscopy to determine the overall binding constant and site size of interaction. The binding constant values (~10⁴) for THAQ interacting with ct DNA at different pH were an order less than that known for anthracyclines. From knowledge of the overall binding constants at different pH values and the first pK of THAQ, the contribution of each form (neutral and monoanionic) towards overall binding with ct DNA could be obtained under physiological conditions. Hence, knowing the contributions of the neutral and monoanionic forms, it now becomes possible to know the overall binding constant for an interaction of THAQ with ct DNA at any pH. The calculated parameters help in understanding the role of the negative charge on the monoanionic form during interaction and suggests suitable chemical modifications that could prevent the development of such negative charges. This could lead to an increase in binding of THAQ to ct DNA. The study also helps to recognize the importance of sugar units in anthracycline anticancer drugs in DNA interaction. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Raman spectroscopic study of calf thymus DNA: an effect of proton‐ and γ‐irradiation

Raman spectroscopy was applied to analyse structural changes in calf thymus double‐stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) after proton‐ and γ‐irradiation (0.5, 5 and 50 Gy). Characteristic Raman bands of phosphodiester linkages, nucleic bases and deoxyribose moieties were sensitive to irradiation. A significant damage of the macromolecules was observed only at the highest dose (50 Gy) of both types of radiations. Spectral changes confirmed a radiation‐induced alteration of the native structure of dsDNA. Nucleic bases, especially pyrimidines, were the most sensitive to radiation, while some alterations in the sugar–phosphate backbone were also detected. The differences in the dose‐dependent effects of proton vs γ‐irradiation on studied biomolecule are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.