Chemotherapy: Topoisomerase Inhibitors And cancer therapy

Topoisomerase inhibitors constitute a type of chemotherapy utilized in treating specific forms of lung cancer. They function by obstructing enzymes responsible for DNA replication, thereby impeding cell division and inducing the death of cancer cells. DNA-topoisomerases, crucial for numerous biological functions, have garnered increased interest in recent years due to their pivotal role in facilitating DNA replication and transcription processes. Additionally, these enzymes serve as the target for various active components. The potential to develop a novel class of anticancer drugs lies in inhibiting the activity of these enzymes post-DNA damage and repair failure, leading to the therapeutic utilization of causing tumor cells to die. The blockade of topoisomerases hinders cell division, ultimately resulting in cell death. This mechanism explains why topoisomerase inhibitors are effective in killing cells that undergo faster division, such as cancer cells.

Autorentext

Dr. Eman Refaat Youness, Doutor em Bioquímica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Cairo; Professor no Centro Nacional de Investigação, Egito. Experiência em conceção experimental, investigação clínica, HPLC, stress oxidativo, PCR, ADN e análise bioquímica. Autor de numerosos estudos internacionais; membro de organismos de investigação mundiais.