Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

MEDUSA for Identifying Death Regulatory Genes in Chemo-genetic Profiling Data
Published on: February 7, 2025
Etoposide catechol is an oxidizable topoisomerase II poison
David A Jacob1, Elizabeth G Gibson, Susan L Mercer
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee 37204-3951, USA.
Abstract:
Topoisomerase II regulates DNA topology by generating transient double-stranded breaks. The anticancer drug etoposide targets topoisomerase II and is associated with the formation of secondary leukemias in patients. The quinone and catechol metabolites of etoposide may contribute to strand breaks that trigger leukemic translocations. To further analyze the characteristics of etoposide metabolites, we extend our previous analysis of etoposide quinone to the catechol. We demonstrate that the catechol is ∼2-3-fold more potent than etoposide and under oxidative reaction conditions induces high levels of double-stranded DNA cleavage. These results support a role for etoposide catechol in contributing to therapy-induced DNA damage.
Related Concept Videos
DNA Topoisomerases
Types and Mechanism of action
Topoisomerases are divided into two main types. Type I...
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Preparation of Epoxides
Epoxides result from alkene oxidation, which can be achieved by a) air, b) peroxy acids, c) hypochlorous acids, and d) halohydrin cyclization.
Epoxidation with Peroxy Acids
Epoxidation of alkenes via oxidation with peroxy acids involves the conversion of a carbon–carbon double bond to an epoxide using the oxidizing agent meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, commonly known as MCPBA. Since the O–O bond of peroxy acids is very weak, the addition of electrophilic oxygen of peroxy acids to...
Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Bioactivation and Tissue Toxicity

