Topoisomerase an Ideal Target for Treatment of Cancer
Topoisomerases are class of enzymes that alter the super coiling of double-stranded DNA. (In super coiling the DNA molecule coils up like a
telephone cord, which shortens the molecule.) The Topoisomerases act by transiently cutting one or both strands of the DNA. Topoisomerases
are enzymes that regulate the over winding or under winding of DNA. The winding problem of DNA arises due to the intertwined nature of itsdouble-helical structure. During DNA replication and transcription, DNA becomes over wound ahead of a replication fork. If left unabated, this
tension would eventually stop the ability of the enzymes involved in these processes to continue down the DNA strand. Topoisomerase inhibitors
are agents designed to interfere with the action of topoisomerase enzymes (topoisomerase I and II), which are enzymes that control the changes
in DNA structure by catalyzing the breaking and rejoining of the phosphodiester backbone of DNA strands during the normal cell cycle. The
present review is an attempt made in the respect of highlighting the some important information of Topoisomerase enzyme and topoisomerase
inhibitors and role of topoisomerase in cancer therapy.
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