Gel electrophoretic detection of 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine and 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoadenine via oxidation by Ir(IV)

Two gel electrophoretic methods are described for detection of 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine and 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoadenine based on their further oxidation with one-electron oxidants including IrCl62− and IrBr62−. The products of nucleobase oxidation lead to enhanced piperidine-sensitive cleavage and to highly visible stop points in a primer extension assay. 8-oxoG and 8-oxoA lesions may be distinguished by the latter's inability to be oxidized by IrBr62− compared to IrCl62− Comparison is also made to oxidation by MnO4−.