Topoisomerases are a group of enzymes that resolve DNA topological problems and aid in different DNA transaction processes viz. replication, transcription, recombination, etc. inside cells. These proteins accomplish their feats by steps of DNA strand(s) scission, strand passage or rotation and subsequent rejoining activities. Topoisomerases of kinetoplastid parasites have been extensively studied because of their unusual features. The unique presence of heterodimeric Type IB topoisomerase and prokaryotic 'TopA homologue' Type IA topoisomerase in kinetoplastids still generates immense interest among scientists. Moreover, because of their structural dissimilarity with the host enzymes, topoisomerases of kinetoplastid parasites are attractive targets for chemotherapeutic interventions to kill these deadly parasites. In this review, we summarize historical perspectives and recent advances in kinetoplastid topoisomerase research and how these proteins are exploited for drug targeting.

中文翻译：

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动质体寄生虫的 DNA 拓扑异构酶：简要概述和近期观点。

拓扑异构酶是一组酶，可解决 DNA 拓扑问题并帮助不同的 DNA 交易过程，即。细胞内的复制、转录、重组等。这些蛋白质通过 DNA 链断裂、链通过或旋转以及随后的重新连接活动来完成它们的壮举。动质体寄生虫的拓扑异构酶因其不寻常的特征而被广泛研究。动质体中异二聚体 IB 型拓扑异构酶和原核“TopA 同源物”IA 型拓扑异构酶的独特存在仍然引起了科学家们的极大兴趣。此外，由于它们与宿主酶的结构不同，动质体寄生虫的拓扑异构酶是杀死这些致命寄生虫的化学治疗干预的有吸引力的目标。在本次审查中，