Site-Specific Mutagenesis with Benzo[a]Pyrene-Deoxyribonucleoside Adducts

The various methods that have been used in site-specific mutagenesis studies with DNA adducts from hydrocarbon diol epoxides are briefly reviewed. The single-stranded M13 approach pioneered by Lawrence and his colleagues offers the advantage that DNA repair processes should not reduce mutation frequencies since they should lead to vector destruction. The application of this approach to an evaluation of the mutagenic effects arising from a benzo[a]pyrene-deoxyadenosine adduct is shown. Substantial numbers of A→T and A→G base substitution mutations were obtained along with a few A→C mutations.