Topoisomerase in biochemical literature

Topoisomerase II is a vital part of DNA replication and maintenance. Even though it is known that topoisomerase II creates double strand breaks in the DNA to relieve super coiling or correct knots, more research is being done to understand this process and its role in the cell. The following articles address different aspects of what is currently known and what has yet to be learned about topoisomerase II.

Article 1: The Analysis of Mutant Alleles of Different Strength Reveals Multiple Functions of Topoisomerase 2 in Regulation of Drosophila Chromosome Structure

this figure shows the chromosome rearrangemnts that could result from problems with topo II (Figure 3 in article)

This article, posted in PLOS Genetics journal, states research done with topoisomerase II in Drosophila. Vertebrates contain two topo II isoforms and little is known about why there is this redundancy. In contrast, Drosophila (fruit flies) contain a single topo II enzyme and it is suitable to use for research that could be compared to the enzyme activity in vertebrates. Experiments were done in vivo with mutant flies that had minimally repressed, moderately repressed or no topo II activity. It was found that the mutant flies with even minimal reduced topo II activity exhibited "strong morphological abnormalities" and defects. Mutant flies of moderate topo II mutations frequently had chromosome breaks and rearrangements. When topo II was gone it resulted in anueploid and polyploid chromosomes with poorly condensed chromatin and broken chromosomes. These results confirm why topo II inhibitors are used in cancer chemotherapy. If the DNA is not repaired, the increasing damage could ultimately kill the cancer cells.

Mengoli, Valentina et al. “The Analysis of Mutant Alleles of Different Strength Reveals Multiple Functions of Topoisomerase 2 in Regulation of DrosophilaChromosome Structure.” Ed. Gregory P. Copenhaver. PLoS Genetics 10.10 (2014): e1004739. PMC. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.

Article 2: The DNA cleavage reaction of topoisomerase II: wolf in sheep's clothing

this figure (Figure 4 in article) demonstrates the necessity of topo II in the cell, but also the potential dangers and problems it could cause

This next article talked more about the process of DNA cleavage. Topo II is essential for almost every process of movement of DNA. It is known that the enzyme generates a double strand break. While this breaking of the DNA is vital, it could also harm the DNA by fragmenting the genome. The cleavage reaction that topo II is involved in is also thought to trigger translocations -- one specifically associated with certain types of leukemia. Topo II uses active site tyrosyl residues. It initiates DNA cleavage by using nucleophilic attack on the active site tyrosine of the phosphate backbone of DNA. Figure 2 of the article simplifies the process.

Besides the nucleophilic attack of tyrosine, little is known about the DNA cleavage details. Regardless, this process is important in the cell, but in excess, it could be detrimental. It is a balance. 

Deweese, Joseph E., and Neil Osheroff. “The DNA Cleavage Reaction of Topoisomerase II: Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.” Nucleic Acids Research 37.3 (2009): 738–748. PMC. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.

Article 3: DNA cleavage and opening reactions of human topoisomerase IIα are regulated via Mg(2+)-mediated dynamic bending of gate-DNA

The previous article highlighted the idea that little is known about the process that controls and regulates the DNA cleavage, this article talks about the identification of a potential regulation mechanism. We know that there is a balance that needs to be met, so there must be some form of regulation and control. Through experiments, they were able to see that Mg(2+) ions induce a structural change of G-segment DNA, making it into a cleavageable (cleavage-competent) form. In addition, "bending" of the DNA helps coordinate the double-stranded breaks.

 Lee, Jung et al. "DNA Cleavage and Opening Reactions of Human Topoisomerase II are Regulated via MG(2+)-Mediated Dynamic Bending of Gate-DNA". PNAS 109.8 (2012).