Role of DNA topoisomerase I in the transcription of supercoiled rRNA gene.

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Abstract
The fraction DE-B obtained by fractionating an extract from rat mammary adenocarcinoma cells on a DEAE-Sephadex column was used for transcribing linear and supercoiled rRNA gene (rDNA). This fraction, which is known to contain RNA polymerase I and essential transcription factors, also contains DNA topoisomerase I activity. Inhibition of this topoisomerase activity by the selective inhibitor camptothecin markedly diminished transcription of supercoiled rDNA, and at a concentration of 150 .mu.M, camptothecin almost completely inhibited DNA topoisomerase I activity and supercoiled rDNA transcription. Addition of exogenous calf thymus DNA topoisomerase I to the sample containing the drug restored the ability of the extract of transcribe supercoiled rDNA. Camptothecin, even at a concentration of 500 .mu.M, had no significant effect on the transcription of linear rDNA. These studies show that relaxation of supercoiled rDNA by DNA topoisomerase I is essential for its transcription. The preferential inhibition of rRNA synthesis in vivo following treatment with camptothecin is probably due to selective camptothecin inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I activity.