Characterization of mitochondrial DNA topoisomerase I from Neurospora crassa

DNA topoisomerase I isolated from the lower eukaryote Neurospora crassa mitochondria was characterized. Molar mass of the enzyme in the native state is 120 kDa and 60-65 kDa when denatured. The pH optimum of the enzyme is 7.8 and the KCl optimum concentration is 40 mmol/L. This topoisomerase is independent of ATP and Mg2+. N-Ethylmaleimide, 4-chloromercuribenzoate, SDS, guanidinium chloride, polyethylene glycol, heparin and ethidium bromide inhibit its activity, while novobiocin, nalidixic acid, Triton X-100 and chloroquine do not. Polyamines and histone H1 stimulate the topoisomerase activity. We classify this DNA topoisomerase as type I and eukaryotic. Conversion of the topoisomerase to a nonspecific endonuclease at increased temperature is proposed.