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Actinomycin D-induced breakage of human KB cell DNA

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Abstract

ACTINOMYCIN D is a potent inhibitor of RNA synthesis both in vitro and in vivo1,2. Its mode of action involves the intercalation with DNA at G-C regions and prevention of polymerase movement along the template3,4. Actinomycin D has also been shown to inhibit DNA synthesis, cell division and colony formation in mouse L cells5. We have studied the effects of this drug on the DNA of human KB cells in culture. Extensive DNA breakage was induced even at quite low concentrations of the drug.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 4K1

    MARY M. PATER & STANLEY MAK

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  1. MARY M. PATER
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  2. STANLEY MAK
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PATER, M., MAK, S. Actinomycin D-induced breakage of human KB cell DNA. Nature 250, 786–788 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/250786a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/250786a0

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