ISSN:
1432-1327
Keywords:
Key words Quinolones
;
Chemical nucleases
;
DNA-interacting compounds
;
SOB response
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Alteration of bacterial DNA structure and/or associated functions in vivo by [Cu(phen)(nal)]+, a metal complex of the type [Cu(phen)(antib)]+ (where antib is a quinolone or a fluoroquinolone), was demonstrated by the induction of a recA-lacZ fusion integrated at the amyE locus of a recombinant Bacillus subtilis strain. Using the same approach, nalidixic acid alone was shown to induce 14% of the β-galactosidase levels induced by [Cu(phen)(nal)]+; on the other hand none of the other components, i.e. copper, phenanthroline or the complex [Cu(phen)2]2+ activated significantly the recA-directed β-galactosidase activity, suggesting that the intact structure of the complex is required to reach maximum levels of induction. Results of in vitro experiments demonstrated that under reductive conditions [Cu(phen)(nal)]+ behaves as a powerful nuclease capable of degrading plasmid DNA; this activity was stronger than that of the chemical nuclease copper phenanthroline [Cu(phen)2]2+. The nuclease activity putatively occurred by a mechanism involving hydroxyl radicals since the reaction was partially inhibited by catalase. These results support the hypothesis that the mechanism of action of quinolones could be mediated by a transition metal ion such as copper.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s007750050219
Permalink