Lethal effects of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine incorporation into deoxyribonucleic acid during ultraviolet repair.

We have previously demonstrated that 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) incorporates into leukemic cell DNA and that the extent of this incorporation correlates significantly with loss of clonogenic survival. These studies have now been extended by monitoring the incorporation of ara-C in DNA undergoing repair of UV-induced damage. The present studies have been performed using human foreskin diploid fibroblasts that undergo density-dependent growth arrest. The results demonstrate that ara-C incorporates specifically into DNA undergoing repair of damage by UV light. The extent of ara-C incorporation in AG1522 DNA during UV repair correlates significantly (p less than 0.0006) with cell lethality. These findings confirm that incorporation of ara-C into DNA undergoing either semiconservative or unscheduled DNA synthesis results in lethal cellular events. The present findings may provide the experimental basis for the development of new therapeutic approaches using ara-C in combination with agents that damage DNA.