Abstract
The effects produced in DNA by monofunctional or interstrand adducts of platinum(II) complexes have been summarized. The monofunctional adducts destabilize DNA in a sequence-dependent manner via conformational distortions, which may have a denaturational character. It has been suggested that this conformational alteration facilitates in DNA the formation of the bidentate DNA adducts, whose formation is associated with a permanent or transient local denaturation. In addition, DNA interstrand cross-linking by cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) and its trans isomer produce in DNA lesions that have quite different characteristics. It has been suggested that these differences may have relevance to the distinct antitumor efficacy of the two platinum isomers.