Mechanism of DNA-protein cross-linking by chromium.

Hexavalent chromium is a known inducer of DNA-protein cross-links (DPCs) that contribute to repression of inducible genes and genotoxicity of this metal. Lymphocytic DPCs have also shown potential utility as biomarkers of human exposure to Cr(VI). Here, we examined the mechanism of DPC formation by Cr(VI) and the impact of its main cellular reducers.