Separation of polyamines, conjugated to DNA, by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Genomic DNA was isolated from the lichen Evernia prunastri in order to anal yze by high-performance liquid chromatography the occurrence of polyamines conjugated to the macromolecule. The acid-insoluble (PH) fraction of this D NA contained mainly conjugated spermidine, although small amounts of free p utrescine and spermidine were also present. The PH fraction of DNA also con tained conjugated evernic acid, the main phenol produced by this lichen spe cies. Conjugation of polyamines to calf thymus DNA was carried out under in vitro conditions. Conjugation was to spermidine and mainly to spermine and produced DNA compactation. Evernic acid enhanced the action of polyamines in order to produce DNA aggregation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig hts reserved.