Structural analysis of replicating DNA following exposure to cytotoxic drugs: implications for current models of DNA synthesis in mammalian cells.

The polynucleotide length of single-stranded regions in double-stranded DNA may be determined by caffeine gradient elution from benzoylated DEAE-cellulose. On the basis of this principle, analysis has been made of sheared, deproteinized DNA isolated from synchronized lymphoblastoid cells. Two classes of single-stranded regions were detected. A minor fraction of replicating DNA contained single-stranded regions of 200 nucleotides, whilst the major structural discontinuity involved single-stranded regions of 1-4 kilobases. Newly incorporated [3H]thymidine was principally associated with the latter. Using a 'pulse-chase' protocol, the effect of certain cytotoxic drugs (and related compounds) on the proportion of replicating DNA exhibiting single-stranded character was assessed. The effects were variable. The proportion was increased by hydroxyurea and 3-aminobenzamide, but decreased by inhibitors of DNA polymerase and, to a greater extent, by inhibitors of topoisomerase. Caffeine gradient elution associated drug-induced changes with the radiolabelling of long single-stranded regions. The results are consistent with models of DNA replication involving DNA polymerization remote from replicating forks.