The response of eukaryotic topoisomerases to DNA damage

Beyond the known mutagenic properties of DNA lesions, recent evidence indicates that several forms of genomic damage dramatically influence the catalytic activities of DNA topoisomerases. Apurinic sites, apyrimidinic sites, base mismatches, and ultraviolet photoproducts all enhance topoisomerase I-mediated DNA cleavage when they are located in close proximity to the point of scission. Furthermore, when located between the points of scission of a topoisomerase II cleavage site, these same lesions (with the exception of ultraviolet photoproducts) greatly stimulate the cleavage activity of the type II enzyme. Thus, as found for anticancer drugs, lesions have the capacity to convert topoisomerases from essential cellular enzymes to potent DNA toxins. These findings raise exciting new questions regarding the mechanism of anticancer drugs, the physiological functions of topoisomerases, and the processing of DNA damage in the cell.     

Separation and functional analysis of eukaryotic DNA topoisomerases by chromatography and electrophoresis

DNA topoisomerases are enzymes that control DNA topology by cleaving and rejoining DNA strands and passing other DNA strands through the transient gaps. Consequently, these enzymes play a crucial role in the regulation of the physiological function of the genome. Beyond their normal functions, topoisomerases are important cellular targets in the treatment of human cancers. In this review we summarize current protocols for extracting and purifying DNA topoisomerases, and for separating subtypes and isoforms of these enzymes. Furthermore, we discuss methods for measuring the catalytic activity of topoisomerases and for monitoring the molecular effects of topoisomerase-directed antitumor drugs in cell-free assays.     

Topoisomerase II as a target for anticancer chemotherapy

Type II DNA topoisomerases are required for the segregation of genomic DNA at cell division in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and inhibitors of these enzymes are potential cytotoxic agents in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The bacterial member of the topoisomerase II family, DNA gyrase, and the chemotherapeutic agents which target it are the subject of a recent review (Maxwell, A. et al., 1993, in Molecular Biology of DNA Topoisomerases, Andoh, T. et al., eds., pp. 21-30, CRC Press, Boca Raton). Here we present an overview of current knowledge of eukaryotic topoisomerase II and the anticancer agents which target this enzyme, focussing predominantly on new observations and recent reports and reviews.     

Yeast as a model organism for studying the actions of DNA topoisomerase-targeted drugs

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been exploited to investigate the cytotoxic mechanisms of drugs that target DNA topoisomerases. This model organism has been used to establish eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I or II as the cellular target of specific antineoplastic agents, to define mutations in these enzymes that confer drug resistance and to elucidate the cellular factors that modulate cell sensitivity to DNA topoisomerase-targeted drugs. These findings have provided valuable insights into the critical activities of these enzymes and how perturbing their functions produces DNA damage and cell death.     

Patient, visitor, and nurse evaluations of visitation for adult postanesthesia care unit patients

Mammalian cells contain two distinct types of topoisomerases. They have been mechanistically classified into a type I (topo I) and type II (topo II) enzyme. Anticancer drugs which target topo I include camptothecin, irinotecan, topotecan, and 9-aminocamptothecin. Anticancer drugs which target topo II include etoposide, mitoxantrone, teniposide, and doxorubicin. Much experimental work has indicated that cells with high topoisomerase are drug sensitive, and cells with low topoisomerase are drug resistant. These data suggest that patients whose tumors have abundant topoisomerase might be predicted to respond to topo targeted anticancer drugs. In order to test this hypothesis, immunohistochemical stains have been developed which can recognize the topoisomerases in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, human tissue sections. This may make it feasible to correlate topoisomerase expression in human cancers with clinical response to chemotherapy.     

Topoisomerase function during replication-independent chromatin assembly in yeast

DNA topoisomerases I and II are the two major nuclear enzymes capable of relieving torsional strain in DNA. Of these enzymes, topoisomerase I plays the dominant role in relieving torsional strain during chromatin assembly in cell extracts from oocytes, eggs, and early embryos. We tested if the topoisomerases are used differentially during chromatin assembly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by a combined biochemical and pharmacological approach. As measured by plasmid supercoiling, nucleosome deposition is severely impaired in assembly extracts from a yeast mutant with no topoisomerase I and a temperature-sensitive form of topoisomerase II (strain top1-top2). Expression of wild-type topoisomerase II in strain top1-top2 fully restored assembly-driven supercoiling, and assembly was equally efficient in extracts from strains expressing either topoisomerase I or II alone. Supercoiling in top1-top2 extract was rescued by adding back either purified topoisomerase I or II. Using the topoisomerase II poison VP-16, we show that topoisomerase II activity during chromatin assembly is the same in the presence and absence of topoisomerase I. We conclude that both topoisomerases I and II can provide the DNA relaxation activity required for efficient chromatin assembly in mitotically cycling yeast cells.     

Effects of DNA methylation on topoisomerase I and II cleavage activities

DNA methylation is deregulated during oncogenesis. Since several major anti-cancer drugs act on topoisomerases, we investigated the effects of cytosine methylation on topoisomerase cleavage activities. Both topoisomerase I and II cleavage patterns were modified by CpG methylation in c-myc gene DNA fragments. Topoisomerase II changes, mainly cleavage reduction, occurred for methylation sites within 7 base pairs from the topoisomerase II breaks and were different for VM-26 and azatoxin. For topoisomerase I, cleavage enhancement as well as suppression were observed. Using synthetic methylated oligonucleotides, we show that hemimethylation is sufficient to alter topoisomerase I activity. Cytosine methylation on the scissile strand within the topoisomerase I consensus sequence had strong effects. Cleavage was stimulated by methylation at position -4 and was strongly inhibited by methylation at position -3 (with position -1 being the enzyme-linked nucleotide). This inhibitory effect was attributed to the presence of a methyl group in the major groove, since the transition uracil to thymine also inhibited cleavage. Altogether these results suggest an interaction of topoisomerase I with the DNA major grove at positions -3 and -4. In addition, DNA methylation may have profound effects on the activity of topoisomerases and may alter the distribution of cleavage sites produced by anticancer drugs in chromatin.     

DNA topoisomerase targeting drugs: mechanisms of action and perspectives

The nuclear enzymes DNA topoisomerases I and II appeared as cellular targets for several antitumor drugs: campthotecin derivatives interacting with topoisomerase I, and actinomycin D, anthracycline derivatives, elliptinium acetate, mitoxantrone, epipodophyllotoxine derivatives, amsacrine and a new olivacine derivative, NSC-6596871 (S 16020-2), which interact with topoisomerase II. The functions of these enzymes are numerous and important since they are critical for DNA functions and cell survival. Despite the fact that they share the same target, topoisomerase II inhibitors have different mechanisms of action. Two principle types of induced alterations are involved in cellular resistance to topoisomerase II drugs: qualitative or quantitative alteration of the enzyme and/or increased drug efflux due to overexpression of P-glycoprotein. S 16020-2, a new olivacine derivative with a high antitumor activity against solid tumors, shows a potent cytotoxic effect against tumor cells expressing P-glycoprotein. This observation suggests that the comprehension of the respective effects of topoisomerase inhibitors and the precise knowledge of their mechanisms of resistance would improve the use of this therapeutic class in the clinic within rational chemotherapeutic combinations.     

A protein-mediated mechanism for the DNA sequence-specific action of topoisomerase II poisons

Chemical agents able to interfere with DNA topoisomerases are widespread in nature, and some of them have outstanding therapeutic efficacy in human cancer and infectious diseases. DNA topoisomerases are essential enzymes that govern DNA topology during fundamental nuclear metabolic processes. Topoisomerase-interfering compounds can be divided into two general categories based on the mechanism of drug action: poisons and catalytic inhibitors. In past years, investigations of the DNA sequence selectivity of topoisomerase II poisons have identified structural and molecular determinants of drug activity, and indicated that the drug receptor is likely to be at the protein-DNA interface. Moreover, the available results indicate that the biologically relevant DNA-binding activity of topoisomerase poisons is basically protein-mediated and this is discussed in this issue by Giovanni Capranico and colleagues. This suggests that topoisomerase poisons may represent a useful paradigm for small compounds able to bind to protein-DNA interfaces in a site-selective manner, thus increasing the affinity of DNA-binding proteins for specific genomic sites.     

DNA repair functions in heterologous cells

Our genetic information is constantly challenged by exposure to endogenous and exogenous DNA-damaging agents, by DNA polymerase errors, and thereby inherent instability of the DNA molecule itself. The integrity of our genetic information is maintained by numerous DNA repair pathways, and the importance of these pathways is underscored by their remarkable structural and functional conservation across the evolutionary spectrum. Because of the highly conserved nature of DNA repair, the enzymes involved in this crucial function are often able to function in heterologous cells; as an example, the E. coli Ada DNA repair methyltransferase functions efficiently in yeast, in cultured rodent and human cells, in transgenic mice, and in ex vivo-modified mouse bone marrow cells. The heterologous expression of DNA repair functions has not only been used as a powerful cloning strategy, but also for the exploration of the biological and biochemical features of numerous enzymes involved in DNA repair pathways. In this review we highlight examples where the expression of DNA repair enzymes in heterologous cells was used to address fundamental questions about DNA repair processes in many different organisms.     

Transforming growth factor-beta, endothelin-1, and c-fos expression in necrotizing/crescentic IgA glomerulonephritis

We have identified strong topoisomerase sites (STS) for Mycobacteruim smegmatis topoisomerase I in double-stranded DNA context using electrophoretic mobility shift assay of enzyme-DNA covalent complexes. Mg2+, an essential component for DNA relaxation activity of the enzyme, is not required for binding to DNA. The enzyme makes single-stranded nicks, with transient covalent interaction at the 5'-end of the broken DNA strand, a characteristic akin to prokaryotic topoisomerases. More importantly, the enzyme binds to duplex DNA having a preferred site with high affinity, a property similar to the eukaryotic type I topoisomerases. The preferred cleavage site is mapped on a 65 bp duplex DNA and found to be CG/TCTT. Thus, the enzyme resembles other prokaryotic type I topoisomerases in mechanistics of the reaction, but is similar to eukaryotic enzymes in DNA recognition properties.     

Lead exposure in the general population of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona: blood levels and related factors

Bacterial and archeal type I topoisomerases, including topoisomerase I, topoisomerase III and reverse gyrase, have different potential roles in the control of DNA topology including regulation of supercoiling and maintenance of genetic stability. Analysis of their coding sequences in different organisms shows that they belong to the type IA family of DNA topoisomerases, but there is variability in organization of various enzymatic domains necessary for topoisomerase activity. The torus-like structure of the conserved transesterification domain with the active site tyrosine for DNA cleavage/rejoining suggests steps of enzyme conformational change driven by DNA substrate and Mg(II) cofactor binding, that are required for catalysis of change in DNA linking number.     

Holmium-YAG laser in outlet impingement of the shoulder. Mid-term results

Type II DNA topoisomerases are enzymes that are capable of transporting one duplex DNA through another. Recent experimental results, including the structure of a fragment of yeast topoisomerase II, have provided new insights into the mechanism of the strand passage reaction. Other results have begun to define the role of ATP in the catalytic cycle and illuminate how DNA breaks mediated by topoisomerase II can occur.     

Oxidative DNA base modifications as factors in carcinogenesis

Reactive oxygen species can cause extensive DNA modifications including modified bases. Some of the DNA base damage has been found to possess premutagenic properties. Therefore, if not repaired, it can contribute to carcinogenesis. We have found elevated amounts of modified bases in cancerous and precancerous tissues as compared with normal tissues. Most of the agents used in anticancer therapy are paradoxically responsible for induction of secondary malignancies and some of them may generate free radicals. The results of our experiments provide evidence that exposure of cancer patients to therapeutic doses of ionizing radiation and anticancer drugs causes base modifications in genomic DNA of lymphocytes. Some of these base damages could lead to mutagenesis in critical genes and ultimately to secondary cancers such as leukemias. This may point to an important role of oxidative base damage in cancer initiation. Alternatively, the increased level of the modified base products may contribute to genetic instability and metastatic potential of tumor cells.     

Cytochromes P450 and drug resistance

Cytochromes P450 are the key enzymes for activating and inactivating many drugs, in particular anticancer drugs. Therefore, individual expression levels of cytochromes P450 may play a crucial role in drug safety and drug efficacy. Overexpression of cytochrome P450 may yield rapid turnover and elimination of drugs before the target site was reached and any pharmacological effect is observed. Therefore, it may be vital to know the individual cytochrome P450 status in order to select the appropriate drug before drug resistance occurs. Expression levels and activity of cytochromes P450 depend on many different factors. These factors include tissue and organ specific expression, sex- and age-dependent expression, genetic differences yielding polymorphic forms, competitive inhibition or induction of cytochromes P450 due to multiple drug interaction, nutrition and diet. Genetically engineered test cells defined for cytochromes P450 are available for studying drugs for metabolic activation and for identifying the metabolically competent cytochrome P450 isoform.     

Physiological measures of right nostril breathing

DNA topoisomerases, nuclear enzymes that regulate DNA topology, are recognized as the primary targets of effective anti-tumor drugs. These enzymes may also have a role in the repair of DNA damage induced by alkylating agents and platinum compounds; therefore, their expression may be a determinant of tumor response to chemotherapy. Our study was undertaken in an attempt to establish a correlation between the enzyme expression and response of ovarian cancer to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The expression of topoisomerase I, II alpha and II beta genes was assessed by RNase protection assay in tumor specimens obtained from 37 untreated patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer at initial surgery and from 13 pre-treated patients at subsequent laparotomy. The expression levels were compared with those found in 5 specimens from benign ovarian tissue and 5 specimens from normal ovarian tissue. The expression levels in untreated patients were used to establish a correlation with response to high-dose cisplatin therapy. A significant intertumor variability of mRNA expression was noted for all the genes examined. However, a comparison of median values indicated a remarkable increase of expression in malignant tumors over benign or normal tissues only for topoisomerase II alpha. This change is not related to alterations or amplification of topoisomerase II alpha gene. Interestingly, a correlation was found between tumor response to chemotherapy and the expression level of the isoform alpha (but not of topoisomerase II beta and topoisomerase I). The observed correlation suggests a contribution of the enzyme in determining tumor sensitivity. Alternatively, increased expression levels of the alpha isoenzyme gene in responsive tumors might reflect higher fractions of proliferating tumor cells that may be more drug-sensitive than resting cells.     

DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV: biochemical activities, physiological roles during chromosome replication, and drug sensitivities

DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV are the two type II topoisomerases present in bacteria. Though clearly related, based on amino acid sequence similarity, they each play crucial, but distinct, roles in the cell. Gyrase is involved primarily in supporting nascent chain elongation during replication of the chromosome, whereas topoisomerase IV separates the topologically linked daughter chromosomes during the terminal stage of DNA replication. These different roles can be attributed to differences in the biochemical properties of the two enzymes. The biochemical activities, physiological roles, and drug sensitivities of the enzymes are reviewed.     

Dual topoisomerase I and II inhibition by intoplicine (RP-60475), a new antitumor agent in early clinical trials

The mechanisms of action of intoplicine (RP-60475), a 7H-benzo[e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole derivative that is presently in early clinical trials, have been investigated. Intoplicine induced both topoisomerase I- and II-mediated DNA strand breaks, using purified topoisomerases. The topoisomerase cleavage site patterns induced by intoplicine were unique, relative to those of camptothecin, 4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (m-AMSA), and other known topoisomerase inhibitors. Both topoisomerase I- and II-induced DNA breaks decreased at drug concentrations higher than 1 microM, which is consistent with the DNA-intercalating activity of intoplicine. DNA damage was investigated in KB cells in culture by using alkaline elution. Intoplicine induced single-strand breaks (SSB) in a bell-shaped manner with respect to drug concentration (maximum frequency at 1 microM approximately 220 rad-equivalents). SSB formation was fast, whereas reversal after drug removal was slow. Similar bell-shaped curves were obtained for DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) and DNA-protein cross-links. SSB and DNA-protein cross-link frequencies were approximately equal, and no protein-free breaks were detectable, indicating the protein concealment of the breaks, as expected for topoisomerase inhibition. Comparison of SSB and DSB frequencies indicated that intoplicine produced a significant amount of SSB not related to DSB, which is consistent with concomitant inhibition of both DNA topoisomerases I and II in cells. Data derived from resistant cell lines indicated that multidrug-resistant cells were cross-resistant to intoplicine but that m-AMSA- and camptothecin-resistant cells were sensitive to intoplicine. Hence, intoplicine might circumvent topoisomerase I-mediated and topoisomerase II-mediated resistance by poisoning both enzymes simultaneously.     

Integrin activation suppresses etoposide-induced DNA strand breakage in cultured murine tumor-derived endothelial cells

Tumor endothelium is critical for solid tumor growth and is a potential site for anticancer drug action. Within 2 h, etoposide caused marked DNA strand breakage in xenograft tumor-derived endothelial cells (TDECs). Etoposide-induced DNA breakage was inhibited by culturing TDECs on gelatin, type IV collagen, laminin, fibronectin, and the integrin ligand hexapeptide, GRGDSP, but not the inactive peptide, GRADSP. It was also inhibited when TDECs were on surfaces coated with antibodies to alpha 5, beta 1, or beta 3 integrin subunits and by clustering integrins with soluble antibodies. After 8 h with etoposide, TDECs detached from the monolayer, and 50-kb DNA fragments were seen. Fibronectin inhibited both processes. Thus, integrins are survival factors for TDEC that inhibit the genotoxicity of etoposide and may influence the sensitivity of tumors to drugs.