A MODEL TO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF A VIRAL INACTIVATOR (BETA-PROPIOLACTONE) ON DNA LIGATION AND GENE-EXPRESSION IN ESCHERICHIA-COLI AND COS CELLS

An experimental model to study the effects of viral inactivators on th e biological properties of DNA was developed. beta-propiolactone (beta PL) was used in this model and its effects on ligation, transfer and gene expression of naked DNA were assessed. Evidence that beta PL impa irs these two major DNA functions are presented. The amounts of beta P L that alter or abolish gene expression and prevent DNA cohesive ends ligation were determined. Based on these observations, it was conclude d that this experimental approach could be used to study the effects o n the biological properties of DNA of other inactivators used in vacci ne preparations. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.