Effects of aphidicolin on the recovery of ribosomal RNA synthesis and on the repair of potentially lethal damage in UV irradiated simian and human cells

Transcription analysis have been employed as probe for monitoring DNA damage and repair in order to elucidate whether or not aphidicolin, a specific inhibitor of DNA polymerase α, affects the repair of UV damage. Results show that aphidicolin inhibits in a concentration-dependent way the recovery of ribosomal RNA transcription in both human and simian cells, indicating a direct involvement of α polymerase in DNA repair. This conclusion was further supported by the inhibitory action of aphidicolin on the repair of potentially lethal damage in UV-irradiated monkey cells.