Revealing new paper on metallo-inhibitors. Article Source: Science Direct Synthesis and structure elucidation of a cobalt(II) complex as topoisomerase I inhibitor: In vitro DNA binding, nuclease and RBC hemolysis Abstract Metal-based cancer chemotherapeutic agent of the type Co(II) complex [Co(mpca)2]·H2O (1), where, Hmpca = 9-methyl-[1,10]phenanthroline-2-carboxylic acid was synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques and further authenticated by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. In vitro DNA binding studies of complex 1 with CT DNA was carried out by…

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A new reverse gyrase from Pyrobaculum species has been identified with some novel properties. It combines helicase with topoisomerase domains. Very interesting from an evolutionary perspective. Article Source: The Journal of Biological Chemistry The reverse gyrase form Pyrobaculum calidifontis, a novel extremely thermophilic DNA topoisomerase endowed with DNA unwinding and annealing activities Abstract Reverse gyrase is a DNA topoisomerase specific of hyperthermophilic bacteria and archaea. It catalyses the peculiar ATP-dependent DNA positive supercoiling reaction and might be involved in the…

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Topology is critical in allowing chromatin to function in a normal manner. DNA templating is clearly impacted when enzymes that relieve strain are blocked in a chromatin context. Specifically, inhibition of topoisomerases leads to rapid accumulation of torsional strain accompanied by changes in Pol II kinetics and destabilization of nucleosomes. Transcription-generated torsional stress destabilizes nucleosomes Article Source: Nature Abstract As RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcribes a gene, it encounters an array of well-ordered nucleosomes. How it traverses through this…

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The authors have used a clever genetic screen to identify “Cheater mutations” in genes that confer the ability of cells to behave in a non-cooperative fashion in a tissue context. These cheater cells could for example, outgrow surrounding cells as aberrant clones, and thereby derail a tightly regulated process of differentiation that is pivotal in development. A very nice bioinformatic rendering of the data revealed that an axis of regulatory genes that are under the influence of topoisomerase I and…

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