Issue 37, 2017

DNA protection by ectoine from ionizing radiation: molecular mechanisms

Abstract

Ectoine, a compatible solute and osmolyte, is known to be an effective protectant of biomolecules and whole cells against heating, freezing and extreme salinity. Protection of cells (human keratinocytes) by ectoine against ultraviolet radiation has also been reported by various authors, although the underlying mechanism is not yet understood. We present the first electron irradiation of DNA in a fully aqueous environment in the presence of ectoine and at high salt concentrations. The results demonstrate effective protection of DNA by ectoine against the induction of single-strand breaks by ionizing radiation. The effect is explained by an increase in low-energy electron scattering at the enhanced free-vibrational density of states of water due to ectoine, as well as the use of ectoine as an ˙OH-radical scavenger. This was demonstrated by Raman spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).

Graphical abstract: DNA protection by ectoine from ionizing radiation: molecular mechanisms

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
02 May 2017
Accepted
31 Aug 2017
First published
31 Aug 2017
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017,19, 25717-25722

DNA protection by ectoine from ionizing radiation: molecular mechanisms

M. B. Hahn, S. Meyer, M. Schröter, H. Kunte, T. Solomun and H. Sturm, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 25717 DOI: 10.1039/C7CP02860A

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements