Computer-based screening for novel inhibitors of human topoisomerase I with FlexiDock docking protocol

DNA topoisomerases I (topo I) and II are essential enzymes that relax DNA supercoiling and relieve torsional strain during DNA processing. including replication. transcription. and repair. Topo I relaxes DNA by cleaving one strand of DNA by attacking a backbone phosphale with a catalytic lyrosine (Tyr723. human topo I). This enzyme has recently been investigated as a new target for antineoplastic drugs. Inhibitors to the enzyme intercalate between the DNA base pairs. interfering religation of cleaved DNA, therefore inhibit the activity of topo I. (omitted)