Unusual levels of (ADP-ribose) n and DNA synthesis in ataxia telangiectasia cells following gamma-ray irradiation
Edwards, M.J.; Taylor, A.M.
Nature 287(5784): 745-747
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-0836 PMID: 7432491 Document Number: 167669
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase is a eukaryotic chromosomal enzyme which utilizes the ADP-ribose moiety of NAD to synthesize the nucleic acid homopolymer (ADP-ribose)n (ref. 1). The precise function of (ADP-ribose)n has not been fully established although it does covalently modify chromosomal proteins by ADP-ribosylation. Here we demonstrate that gamma-ray irradiation of lymphoblastoid cells from normal subjects results in depressed DNA synthesis and increased (ADP-ribose)n synthesis. Irradiation of lymphoblastoid cells from patients with the autosomal recessive disease ataxia telangiectasia (AT), however, failed to depress DNA synthesis and did not elevate (ADP-ribose)n levels. We have confirmed that (ADP-ribose)n is synthesized in response to DNA damage and we propose that this polymer may function in the recovery from DNA damage by suppressing DNA synthesis.