Mechanism of Action and Use of Radiomimetic Compounds (Part 2)

Radiomimetic compounds, similarly to ionising radiation can directly or indirectly cause DNA damage. Two major groups of these alkylating agents and antimetabolites, have already been discussed in the first part this article. The topic article is an overview radiomimetic substances biological origin; they are grouped upon their chemical structure. Some bacteria, belonging class Actinobacteria produce compounds with property as defence mechanisms, such bleomycins, enediynes, streptonigrins, etc. bacterial origin be divided into three main groups: glycopeptides, enediynes quinone antibiotics. Each them induces double-strand breaks. work through reactive radicals molecules also transformed when break DNA. Others, bleomycin similar enzyme-like catalytic effect molecule regenerates itself after interacting thus same create new breaks again. damage caused by very similar: double strand occur close proximity each other, below lethal dose cell, so cell does not die, repair process activated, which lead formation dicentric chromosomes other detectable alterations. This review briefly summarises mechanism action benefit.