Skip to main content
Log in

Inhibition of the development of Q-bands on human chromosomes by netropsin

  • Original Investigations
  • Published:
Human Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Netropsin, an oligopeptide-type basic antibiotic, having exclusively A-T-specific DNA-binding affinity and situating itself into the minor groove of the double helix, represses the development of Q-bands if human chromosome preparations are treated with it before quinacrine mustard staining. The most probable interpretation of this effect is that netropsin interferes with the intercalation of the dye molecules. It is assumed this phenomenon supports the hypothesis that quinacrine mustard binds preferentially to A-T-rich sequences of DNA in the metaphase chromosomes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Caspersson, T., Farber, S., Foley, G. E., Kudynowski, J., Modest, E. J., Simonsson, E., Wagh, U., Zech, L.: Chemical differentiation along metaphase chromosomes Exp. Cell Res. 49, 219–222 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Caspersson, T., Zech, L., Johansson, C., Modest, E. J.: Identification of human chromosomes by DNA-binding fluorescent agents. Chromosoma 30, 215–227 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellison, J. R., Barr, H. J.: Quinacrine fluorescence of specific chromosome regions. Chromosoma 36, 375–390 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Krey, A. K., Hahn, F. E.: Optical studies on the interaction of DL-quinacrine with double- and single-stranded calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid. Mol. Pharmacol. 10, 686–695 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Latt, S. A.: Optical studies of metaphase chromosome organization. Annu. Rev. Biophys. Bioeng. 5, 1–37 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  • Moutschen, J.: Fine structure of chromosomes as revealed by fluorescence analysis. Prog. Biophys. Mol. Biol. 31, 39–66 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pachmann, U., Rigler, R.: Quantum yield of acridines interacting with DNA of defined base sequence. Exp. Cell Res. 72, 602–608 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wartell R. M., Larson, J. E., Wells, R. D.: Netropsin. A specific probe for A-T regions of duplex deoxyribonucleic acid. J. Biol. Chem. 249, 6719–6731 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Weisblum, B., de Haseth, P. L.: Quinacrine, a chromosome stain specific for deoxyadenylate-deoxythymidilate-rich regions in DNA. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 69, 629–632 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zimmer, C.: Effects of the antibiotics netropsin and distamycin A on the structure and function of nucleic acids. In: Progress in nucleic acid research and molecular biology (W. E. Cohn, ed.), vol. 15, pp. 285–318. New York-San Francisco-London: Academic Press 1975

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schlammadinger, J., Poulsen, H. & Mikkelsen, M. Inhibition of the development of Q-bands on human chromosomes by netropsin. Hum Genet 39, 309–313 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00295425

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00295425

Keywords

Navigation