Topoisomerase

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

All authors of this article

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Enzyme that changes the topology of DNA molecules. In every cell there are topoisomerases that wind up or relax the DNA by changing the number of turns of the DNA. This becomes particularly important during the replication or tangling of the DNA. Topoisomerases hydrolyse phosphodiester bonds. Their molecular structure can accommodate a DNA double helix.

ClassificationThis section has been translated automatically.

There are several types of topoisomerase:
  • Topoisomerase I leads to energy-independent single-strand breaks.
  • Topoisomerase II (gyrase) causes ATP-dependent double-strand breaks.

General informationThis section has been translated automatically.

Topoisomerase inhibitors (e.g. irinotecan, topotecan, etoposide) are used as chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cutaneous lymphomas, metastasized melanomas and metastasized Merkel cell carcinomas, among others.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Lim DS et al (2003) Topoisomerase I inactivation by reticulol and its in vivo cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma. Chemotherapy 49: 257-263

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer