Topoisomerases and the regulation of neural function

摘要

Topoisomerases are unique enzymes that regulate torsional stress in DNA to enable critical genome functions including DNA replication and transcription. While all cells in an organism require topoisomerases, the nervous system in particular shows a critical need for these enzymes to maintain normal function. A spectrum of inherited human neurologic syndromes including neurodegeneration, schizophrenia and intellectual impairment are associated with aberrant topoisomerase function. Much remains unknown regarding tissue-specific neural topoisomerase function or the connections between these enzymes and disease aetiology. Precisely how topoisomerases regulate genome dynamics within the nervous system is a critical research question.