Decatenation of kinetoplast DNA by topoisomerases

J Biol Chem. 1980 Jun 10;255(11):4976-9.

Abstract

Kinetoplast DNA is the mitochondrial DNA of trypanosomatids such as Crithidia fasciculata. This DNA is in the form of networks containing thousands of DNA circles which are apparently catenated (interlocked). Some topoisomerases, such as T4 phage topoisomerase and DNA gyrase, catalyze a decatenation of the networks to form individual covalently closed circles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Crithidia / analysis*
  • DNA / analysis*
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type II*
  • DNA, Circular
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Subcellular Fractions / ultrastructure
  • T-Phages / enzymology

Substances

  • DNA, Circular
  • DNA
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type II