Free radical-induced double lesions in DNA

This review surveys the work that has been done on free radical-induced DNA double lesions, Double lesions consist of two modifications of the DNA in close proximity. Double lesions can be generated by a single free radical-initiating event and the mechanism of formation often involves the participation of guanine. The identification of double lesions in oligomer and polymer DNA is reviewed and possible mechanisms of formation are outlined. The potential biological significance of double lesions is discussed. Double lesions induced by UV light are outside the scope of this review. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.