Introduction: emerging themes in DNA topoisomerase research.

Abstract

DNA topoisomerases are enzymes that alter the topology of DNA. They have important functions in DNA replication, transcription, Holliday junction dissolution, chromosome condensation, and sister chromatid separation. Deficiencies in these enzymes are associated with diseases that result from genome instability. The last 10-15 years has seen a great deal of exciting research in the field of topoisomerase. Here we discuss a selection of the new themes that have been recently introduced into the already large body of topoisomerase research.