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First published online November 3, 2003

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Topoisomerase - DNA and beyond?

DNA topoisomerase II (Topo II) is essential for preventing tangling of double-stranded DNA during processes such as replication, recombination and transcription. It also associates with chromosomes at mitosis, but its roles in regulation of mitotic chromosome dynamics are the subject of considerable debate. William Earnshaw, Mar Carmena and co-workers have therefore examined the effect of knocking down Topo II by RNA interference in Drosophila S2 cells (see. p. 4715). Their studies confirm that Topo II is required for sister chromatid separation. It is not needed for kinetochore assembly but does appear to function in chromosome condensation - chromosomes in the knocked down cells are significantly less condensed than they should be. Perhaps the most interesting effect of knocking down Topo II, however, is on chromosomes aligned at the metaphase plate: their arms frequently protrude out towards the spindle poles, while the kinetochores remain at the plate. This suggests that Topo II has previously unexpected functions in chromosome dynamics and might even separate DNA from other molecules with which it becomes entangled.

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Related articles in JCS:

RNAi analysis reveals an unexpected role for topoisomerase II in chromosome arm congression to a metaphase plate

Chih-Jui Chang, Sarah Goulding, William C. Earnshaw, and Mar Carmena
JCS 2003 116: 4715-4726. [Abstract] [Full Text]  

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Related articles in JCS Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?