Dna topoisomerases of kinetoplastid parasites: Brief overview and recent perspectives

Abstract

Topoisomerases are a group of enzymes that resolve DNA topological problems and aid in different DNA transaction processes viz. replication, tran-scription, recombination, etc. inside cells. These proteins accomplish their feats by steps of DNA strand(s) scission, strand passage or rotation and subsequent rejoining activities. Topoisomerases of kinetoplastid parasites have been extensively stud-ied because of their unusual features. The unique presence of heterodimeric Type IB topoisomerase and prokaryotic ‘TopA homologue’ Type IA topoi-somerase in kinetoplastids still generates immense interest among scientists. Moreover, because of their structural dissimilarity with the host enzymes, topoisomerases of kinetoplastid parasites are attrac-tive targets for chemotherapeutic interventions to kill these deadly parasites. In this review, we sum-marize historical perspectives and recent advances in kinetoplastid topoisomerase research and how these proteins are exploited for drug targeting.