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Recent progress in topoisomerase inhibitors as anticancer agents: Research and design strategies for Topo I and II
Guanghuan Shen1, Shihao Li2, Yu Zhu2
1Postdoctoral Programme of Meteria Medica Institute of Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, PR China.
Abstract:
Topoisomerase (Topo) is a crucial class of enzymes that play significant roles in DNA replication, transcription, and repair. Epidemiological research has highlighted the necessity of topoisomerase for the proliferation and genomic stability of tumor cells. Currently, the main topoisomerase inhibitors used in cancer therapy are toxins and catalytic inhibitors that target topoisomerase I (Topo I) and topoisomerase II (Topo II). These inhibitors hinder tumor cell proliferation by disrupting DNA topology regulation. However, prolonged use of these traditional drugs can lead to issues such as drug resistance, cardiotoxicity, and myelosuppression. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop innovative topoisomerase inhibitors with high efficacy and low toxicity. This review systematically summarizes and analyzes the structural and optimization advances of Topo I and II inhibitors over the past five years, with particular attention to catalytic inhibitors and multitarget agents, aiming to provide new perspectives for the development of safer and more effective small-molecule topoisomerase inhibitors for cancer therapy.
Insights
Innovative cancer therapies require new topoisomerase (Topo) inhibitors. This review details recent advances in Topo I and II inhibitors, focusing on catalytic and multitarget agents to overcome resistance and toxicity issues in cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Topoisomerases (Topo) are vital enzymes for DNA replication, transcription, and repair.
- Topo I and II are essential for tumor cell proliferation and genomic stability.
- Current Topo inhibitors face challenges like drug resistance and toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review structural and optimization advances in Topo I and II inhibitors over the last five years.
- To focus on catalytic inhibitors and multitarget agents for improved cancer therapy.
- To offer new perspectives for developing safer, more effective small-molecule Topo inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and analysis of recent literature (past five years).
- Focus on structural modifications and optimization strategies.
- Analysis of catalytic and multitargeting approaches for Topo inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Identification of key structural advancements in Topo I and II inhibitors.
- Evaluation of progress in developing catalytic and multitargeting agents.
- Analysis of strategies to mitigate drug resistance and toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in developing novel Topo inhibitors.
- Catalytic and multitargeting agents show promise for enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity.
- Further research into small-molecule Topo inhibitors is crucial for advancing cancer therapy.
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