The induction of DNA interstrand cross-links by ionizing radiation has been largely ignored
in favour of studies on double-strand break formation and repair. At least part of the problem
is technical; it is difficult to detect and quantify interstrand cross-links when the same agent
forms both cross-links and single strand breaks because the detection of interstrand cross-
links generally involves a denaturation step. Our group has studied the induction of
interstrand cross-links following irradiation of DNA containing bromouracil at specific sites …