Abstract
Diseases caused by parasitic protozoa present a health problem of immense magnitude, and there is an urgent need for safe and effective new therapies. DNA topoisomerases are clinically relevant targets for anti-cancer and anti-bacterial agents. Inhibitor studies on parasite topoisomerases have revealed that these enzymes have great promise as molecular targets for anti-parasitics, and have helped to dissect the basic biology of DNA topoisomerases in these organisms. This review provides a brief introduction to DNA topoisomerases and anti-topoisomerase drugs, and an overview of studies on protozoal DNA topoisomerases and their inhibitors.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anti-Infective Agents / chemistry
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Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
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Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
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Antiprotozoal Agents / chemistry
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Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology
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Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
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DNA Topoisomerases / metabolism
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DNA, Protozoan / drug effects
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DNA, Protozoan / metabolism
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Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
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Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Eukaryota / drug effects*
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Eukaryota / enzymology
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Humans
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Protozoan Infections / drug therapy*
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Protozoan Infections / parasitology
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Topoisomerase Inhibitors*
Substances
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Anti-Infective Agents
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Antiprotozoal Agents
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DNA, Protozoan
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Enzyme Inhibitors
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Topoisomerase Inhibitors
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DNA Topoisomerases