topoisomeras
Topoisomerases are enzymes that regulate DNA topology by creating transient breaks in the DNA backbone to relieve torsional stress, untangle knots, and separate intertwined DNA molecules. They facilitate essential cellular processes such as DNA replication, transcription, recombination, and chromosome segregation by maintaining proper supercoiling and decatenation.
There are two main types. Type I topoisomerases cut one strand of the DNA duplex, changing the
In bacteria, DNA gyrase is a type II topoisomerase that introduces negative supercoils, assisting transcription and
Topoisomerases are prominent drug targets. In cancer therapy, topo I inhibitors (such as camptothecin, irinotecan, and