# RADIATION CHEMISTRY OF PURINE IN THE SOLID STATE

> **NIH NIH R01** · GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY · 1987 · $62,120

## Abstract

A systematic study of a 15-member group of purine molecular systems is
proposed.  The aims are to characterize the direct-ionization products of
purines.  Rationale for the project comes from the probability that the
behavior of purines, as consitituents of DNA, is central to the response of
DNA to ionizing radiation.  The overall objective, therefore, is to
identify and characterize the direct-ionization products of purines, and
their reactions, which may provide insight into the radiation response of
DNA.  For that reason, four of the molecular systems contain adenine, while
seven of them contain guanine.

Of particular interest will be the molecular cations and their subsequent
products.  One reason is that the guanine cation or G+, is thought to be a
primary radiation product of DNA.  Full characterization of this product,
to the extent possible by the crystallographic method, has not yet been
achieved, although progress toward this aim has recently been reported.
Also, the subsequent products, or fate, of G+ are unknown.  As a result,
the true importance of G+ is also unknown.  Therefore it is possible that a
full understanding of purine radiochemistry may be necessary in order to
understand the significance of G+ DNA.

Also proposed is a set of preliminary studies aimed at developing methods
to use dinucleoside phosphates (DNP's) in similar studies.  The rational
for doing so is that DNP's which crystallize as helical fragments, will
more faithfully model DNA.  The aims of the preliminary studies are to
prepare suitable samples of DNP's.

The proposed experimental approach is to use the methods of magnetic
resonance crystallography (ESR and ENDOR).  In addition, low temperature
methods will be used to stabilize normally unstable products.  Finally,
controlled warming studies will be performed in order to identify product
transformations whenever possible.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3174387
- **Project number:** 5R01CA036810-02
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** MNS7B9CVKDN7
- **Principal Investigator:** WILLIAM H NELSON
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $62,120
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1986-04-01 → 1989-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3174387

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3174387, RADIATION CHEMISTRY OF PURINE IN THE SOLID STATE (5R01CA036810-02). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3174387. Licensed CC0.

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