Multiple chromosomal populations of topoisomerase II detected in vivo by time-lapse, three-dimensional wide-field microscopy

Jason R. Swedlow, John W. Sedat, David A. Agard

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    158 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The localization of topoisomerase II (topo II) in vivo was studied by recording time-lapse, three-dimensional data sets of living Drosophila melanogaster embryos injected with rhodamine-labeled topo II. These images show that topo II is concentrated at specific sites within the interphase nucleus and that this localization is temporally regulated. The enzyme is not restricted to a central chromosome axis, but is distributed uniformly throughout the chromosome. During mitosis, the enzyme present in the early prophase chromosome is lost in two stages, following prophase and following anaphase. Overall, 70% of the enzyme leaves the nucleus and diffuses into the cytoplasm. The localization of the enzyme thus correlates with its role in chromosome condensation and segregation. Rather than being solely a structural protein, topo II appears to localize at the sites on the chromosome where it is required.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)97-108
    Number of pages12
    JournalCell
    Volume73
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 9 Apr 1993

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology

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