Interstrand cross-links are preferentially formed at the d(GC) sites in the reaction between cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) and DNA.

A DNA restriction fragment with convergent SP6 and T7 promoters has undergone reaction with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP) and was then used as a template for RNA synthesis in vitro. The T7 and SP6 RNA polymerases generate fragments of defined sizes. Analysis of the RNA fragments shows that the polymerases are mainly blocked at the level of the d(GG) and d(AG) sites and to a lesser extent at the level of the d(GC) sites. The adducts at the d(GC) sites are more resistant to cyanide ion attack than those at the major sites and are identified as interstrand cross-links. The formation of an interstrand cross-link between the N-7 atoms of two guanine residues at the d(GC) sites was further confirmed by chemical modifications.