( Researchers have determined the structu...)Structure of DNA-modifying enzyme In Small Pox Determined,Health

Researchers have determined the structure of DNA-modifying enzyme that could help fight the smallpox disease better. In a study published in the August 4 issue of Molecular Cell//, the researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have presented their findings on the structure of topoisomerase enzyme and how it binds to DNA. The findings could help in developing antiviral agents more effective in fighting the disease.

"This enzyme is one of the most closely studied DNA-modifying enzymes in biology," says Frederic D. Bushman, PhD, Professor of Microbiology, one of the senior authors. "The structure of the DNA complex has been long-awaited." DNA-modifying enzymes bind to specific sequences in the genetic code to aid in the many steps of DNA replication.

The smallpox virus is one of the most easily transmissible infectious diseases known to humans, resulting in up to 30 percent mortality. The efficiency, with which it spreads, combined with the deadly nature of the disease, has raised fears that smallpox could be revived for use in bioterrorism. Knowing the exact three-dimensional structure of smallpox virus proteins could help researchers design antiviral agents, but few structures of whole viral proteins exist.

Poxviruses are large viruses that contain two strands of DNA and replicate themselves entirely in the cytoplasm of infected cells. Poxviruses do not take over the genetic machinery inside the nucleus of the host cell, as many viruses do. Because of this strategy, poxviruses encode many of the enzymes they need to replicate their own genes, and hence reproduce. One of these enzymes is a topoisomerase, which is used by the virus to relieve the excessive twisting of DNA strands that normally occurs during DNA replication and transcription of the viral genes. Upon initial infection, the poxviruses come already equipped with some proteins, including topoisomerases, to kick-start replication.

The stru
'"/>




Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine news :

1. Relationship Between Genetic Structure And Quality of Life
2. Abnormal Brain Structure One Of The Reasons For Depression in Adolescents
3. Structure of the brain to increase risk for anxiety disorders
4. Changes In Brain Structure From Methamphetamine Abuse And HIV Infection
5. Almond Structure in the Brain Intrigues Researchers
6. Controversy over Fees Structure in Private Medical Colleges
7. Controversy Over The Fee Structure In Private Medical Colleges Surfaces Yet Again
8. Education Structure In Indian Schools To Be Revamped Soon
9. Neither Management Nor Students Happy With New Fee Structure
10. DNA-bound p53 Tumor Suppressor Protein Structure Determined
11. Penn Researchers Throw Light on the Structure Of Smallpox Virus Protein