| Abstract: | We have used polysomal immunoabsorption techniques to purify rat liver quinone reductase mRNA (NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.99.2, formerly called DT-diaphorase). Using the purified mRNA as template, cDNA clones complementary to quinone reductase mRNA have been constructed. One cDNA clone, pDTD55, has a 1900-base pair insert which has been demonstrated by hybrid-select translation experiments to be complementary to quinone reductase mRNA. Clone pDTD55 has been used in RNA and DNA blot hybridizations to show that quinone reductase mRNA is approximately 1900 nucleotides in length and is encoded by a gene which spans approximately 7000-8000 base pairs. We have also shown that quinone reductase mRNA is markedly elevated by 3-methylcholanthrene administration and in persistent hepatocyte nodules induced by chemical carcinogens. The elevation of quinone reductase mRNA in persistent hepatocyte nodules is not due to either gene amplification of DNA rearrangement. Rather, the quinone reductase gene is hypomethylated in persistent hepatocyte nodules compared to the gene in either liver tissue surrounding the nodule or normal liver. These data suggest that hypomethylation of specific gene sequences occurs at early stages during chemical carcinogenesis. |
