Carcinogenicity studies peptides

Although the correlation between structural properties of aromatic hydrocarbons and their carcinogenic properties proved to be much more complicated than was hoped, this type of calculation opened the door to the application of quantum chemistry to biological systems. The calculations are applied not only to cancer-related problems, but also to the study of amino acids, peptides, nucleotides, and other than anti-cancer therapeutic agents. 

The mechanism of carcinogenesis by PAHs is believed to involve alkylation of an informational macromolecule in a critical, but at present unknown, manner. Such an interaction with a protein has been modelled by alkylation of a peptide this showed a conformational change occurred on alkylation. It has not yet been possible to study the structure of DNA alkylated by an activated carcinogen this is because DNA is a fiber and the structural order in it is not sufficient for a crystal structure determination. However the crystal structures of some alkylated portions of nucleic acids are described, particularly some nucleosides alkylated by chloromethyl derivatives of DMBA. In crystals of these alkylation products the PAH portion of the adduct shows a tendency to lie between the bases of other nucleoside... 

Carcinogenicity testing of chronic use peptides has been evaluated in a number of ways, ranging from in vitro assays coupled with an evaluation of hyperplasia in repeat-dose studies (insulin detemir) to full two-year studies... 

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