Quantification of DNA Damage Using Mass Spectrometry Techniques

Abstract

The role of DNA in cells relies on its chemical structure. Unfortunately, a number of physical and chemical agents may damage DNA, leading to modification of genetic information or to cell death. Detecting DNA damage is thus a major issue in numerous studies. Analytical methods have therefore been developed in order to quantify modified DNA bases. In particular, mass spectrometry is used as a very specific and sensitive detector when combined to gas or liquid chromatography. This review will first briefly present the major classes of DNA damage and then focus on two mass spectrometry-based approaches for the quantification of modified bases following DNA hydrolysis into monomers.