Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs) are the clinically most relevant adducts formed by many antitumor agents. To facilitate the study of biological responses triggered by ICLs, we developed a new approach toward the synthesis of mimics of nitrogen mustard ICLs. 7-Deazaguanine residues bearing acetaldehyde groups were incorporated into complementary strands of DNA and cross-link formation induced by double reductive amination. Our strategy enables the synthesis of major groove cross-links in high yields and purity.