• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.110-114
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• 1987

To correlate the conformational changes of DNA (Calf Thymus) with entrapment of DNA into liposomes, the effect of ions ($Na^+$, $Mg^{++}$on the entrapment of calf thymus DNA into liposomes was investigated. The effect of divalent ion ($Mg^{++}$ on the structural changes of DNA indicated by decrease of observed ellipticity at 274 nm and nonspecific binding of DNA to lipid bilayers was greater than monovalent ion ($\Na^+$). But the efficiency of DNA encapsulated was not altered. These results show that entrapment of DNA into liposomes is not due to nonspecific binding and structural changes because of electrostatic forces but to mechanical capture of DNA by the internal aqueous space of liposomes although divalent ion contributes large structural changes and more nonspecific association of DNA with liposomes due to strong charges.

• BMB Reports
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 1995

The effect of 6-sulfooxymethyl benzo(a)pyrene (SMBP) on conformational changes of calf thymus DNA was investigated. As SMBP is a strong electrophile, the covalent binding of SMBP to DNA should distort three dimensional conformation of DNA at the binding sites. A formaldehyde-unwinding methods were used to determine the rate of DNA denaturation. The increase in absorbance at 251nm was detected by addition of formaldehyde following treatment with SMBP. SMBP changed supercoiled DNA to relaxed and linear DNA as determined by electrophoresis, which was similar to the change in DNA due to in vitro treatment with benzo(a) pyrene diol epoxide. Treatment with SMBP completely denatured DNA under alkaline conditions. However, DNA was nicked or partially denatured under neutral condition. The absorption band of DNA was increased by the treatment with SMBP in V79 cells, which may be explained by the formation of stabilized SMBP-DNA adduct.