A specific transcriptional response of yeast cells to camptothecin dependent on the Swi4 and Mbp1 factors.

Topoisomerase I (Top1) is the specific target of the anticancer drug camptothecin (CPT) that interferes with enzyme activity promoting Top1-mediated DNA breaks and inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis. To define the specific transcriptional response to CPT, we have determined the CPT-altered transcription profiles in yeast by using a relatively low concentration of the drug. CPT could alter global expression profiles only if a catalytically active Top1p was expressed in the cell, demonstrating that drug interference with Top1 was the sole trigger of the response.

Global transcription regulation by DNA topoisomerase I in exponentially growing Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells: activation of telomere-proximal genes by TOP1 deletion.

To establish the cellular functions of DNA topoisomerase I-B (Top1p) at a global level, we have determined the expression profiles and histone modification patterns affected by TOP1 gene deletion (DeltaTOP1) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In exponentially growing cells, DeltaTOP1 specifically increases transcription of telomere-proximal genes and decreases glucose utilization and energy production pathways. Immunoprecipitation data demonstrate that Top1p can bind to and is catalytically active at telomeric DNA repeats, and that both DeltaTOP1 and an inactive Y727F Top1p mutant increase H4 histone acetylation at telomere-proximal regions.

DNA topoisomerase i as a transcription protein and a lethal cellular toxin.

DNA topoisomerase I constitutes a significant relaxing activity in nuclei of eukaryotic cells. The enzyme acts during several DNA transactions involving the generation of torsional stress in the DNA template. Moreover, antitumor agents targeting DNA topoisomerase I are used in the treatment of human cancers with significant clinical outcome.

The effects of camptothecin on RNA polymerase II transcription: roles of DNA topoisomerase I.

Eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I is active in transcribed chromatin domains to modulate transcription-generated DNA torsional tension. Camptothecin and other agents targeting DNA topoisomerase I are used in the treatment of human solid cancers with significant clinical efficacy. Major progress has been achieved in recent years in the understanding of enzyme structures and basic cellular functions of DNA topoisomerase I.

Early effects of topoisomerase I inhibition on RNA polymerase II along transcribed genes in human cells.

We have determined the early effects of camptothecin and alpha-amanitin on genomic DNA-binding sites of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), TATA-binding protein (TBP), DNA topoisomerase I (Top1), and histone components in human transcribed loci by chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP). The two agents caused notably different alterations in active chromatin. Camptothecin induced a specific reduction of RNAPII density at promoter pause sites and histone modifications suggesting an increased chromatin accessibility.