An unprecedented collection of cutting-edge
experimental protocols for investigating the catalytic activities of
DNA topoisomerases, as well as their specific interactions with topoisomerase-targeted antitumor and antibacterial drugs. Described by expert experimentalists who have perfected the techniques, these unfailingly reproducible methods include assays for enzyme-catalyzed DNA relaxation/supercoiling, DNA cleavage, DNA nicking, DNA decatenation, and ATP hydrolysis. Several modified DNA substrates, used to dissect
enzyme mechanisms by trapping intermediates, are also described. Methodologies to determine the action of topoisomerase-targeted drugs include biochemical assays of…
