Bleomycin-DNA Interactions: Fluorescence and Proton Magnetic Resonance Studies

The interaction of bleomycin A₂ with DNA has been examined by fluorescence spectroscopy and proton magnetic resonance techniques. Fluorescence bands observed at 353 and 405 nm in the spectrum of bleomycin were assigned to the bithiazole and 4-aminopyrimidine rings, respectively. Quenching of bithiazole fluorescence by DNA was used to determine apparent equilibrium constants for the complex which, in 2.5 mM tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer, pH 8.4, are 1.2 × 10⁵ M^-1 for bleomycin and 1.4 × 10⁵ M^-1 for tripeptide S, a partial acid hydrolysis product of the antibiotic. Under these conditions, one molecule of bleomycin binds for every five to six base pairs in DNA. In the proton magnetic resonance spectrum of bleomycin, resonances emanating from the bithiazole rings and dimethylsulfonium groups are preferentially broadened and reduced in intensity in the presence of DNA, suggesting that these moieties bind most tightly to the polymer.