TOP2A

Description

The TOP2A (DNA topoisomerase II alpha) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.

TOP2A, encoded by the TOP2A gene, is a human enzyme that relieves topological DNA stress during transcription, condenses chromosomes, and separates chromatids. It catalyzes the transient breaking and rejoining of two strands of duplex DNA, allowing the strands to pass through one another. Two forms of this enzyme exist, likely products of a gene duplication event. The alpha form is encoded by a gene on chromosome 17 and the beta form is encoded by a gene on chromosome 3. TOP2A serves as a target for several chemotherapy agents, and mutations in this gene have been associated with drug resistance. Reduced TOP2A activity may also play a role in ataxia-telangiectasia. TOP2A interacts with several proteins, including SMURF2, HDAC1, CDC5L, Small ubiquitin-related modifier 1, P53, and TOPBP1. In Drosophila, TOP2A correlates with cell proliferation, unlike its beta counterpart.

TOP2A is a key decatenating enzyme that alters DNA topology by binding to two double-stranded DNA molecules. It generates a double-stranded break in one of the strands, passes the intact strand through the broken strand, and religates the broken strand. This process is essential for DNA replication and transcription. TOP2A may also play a role in regulating the period length of BMAL1 transcriptional oscillation.

TOP2A is also known as TOP2, TOP2alpha, TOPIIA, TP2A.

Associated Diseases

WES Whole Exome Sequencing