[Mg2+-dependent interaction of DNA with eukaryotic cells]

Abstract

Interaction of DNA with eukaryotic cells under conditions similar to those providing DNA adsorption onto liposomes was studied. It was revealed that mouse fibroblasts (line A9) and myeloma cells bind phage and plasmid DNA in 0.3 M sucrose solution containing Mg2+-ions. Additional pretreatment of the cells by trypsin did not affect DNA adsorption efficiency. The major part of the adsorbed DNA recovered by salt treatment of the cells, but 10-15% of DNA was found to be irreversible. Up to 50% of the irreversibly bound DNA molecules retain their linear size after treatment of cells with DNAse I. Efficiencies of DNA adsorption and irreversibly binding depend on the concentration of Mg2+ in the medium. The process of DNA irreversible binding is not inhibited by drugs affecting cell metabolism. It is assumed that DNA adsorbs onto the phospholipid domains of the cell membrane, and part of the adsorbed DNA is taken up into the interior of the cells.