Identification of Damaged DNA Adducts from Exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene in the TP53 Gene

Abstract

Benzo[a]pyrene is a carcinogen associated with tobacco smoke that can damage DNA after it is metabolized into highly reactive forms. Identifying the resulting DNA adducts can give greater insight into the mutations that frequently occur in lung cancer. This research aimed to identify damaged DNA adducts from exposure to benzo[a]pyrene in the TP53 gene. This gene codes for the p53 protein, which is frequently mutated in cancers. The oligomeric DNA sequence was exposed to myoglobin, benzo[a]pyrene, and hydrogen peroxide. Myoglobin acted as an heme enzyme mimic, and provided similar chemistry to bio-relevant cytochrome P450 enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of substances like benzo[a]pyrene. LC-MS was used to identify DNA adducts.