Inhibition of DNA synthesis accompanied by stimulation of protein synthesis in novobiocin-treated developing sea urchins.

Novobiocin, an inhibitor of bacterial DNA gyrase, induces abnormalities in developing embryo of the American sea urchin Arbacia punctulata. In addition this drug is also a specific inhibitor of DNA synthesis. This block in DNA synthesis is accompanied by a stimulation in protein synthesis. This effect appears to be characteristic of novobiocin, as hydroxyurea another inhibitor of DNA synthesis in the developing sea urchin, does not stimulate protein production. The present findings constitute the first report of a novobiocin-induced specific inhibition of DNA synthesis in a higher eukaryote.