Unraveling the structure of the variola topoisomerase IB-DNA complex: a possible new twist on smallpox therapy.
Smallpox is a serious and highly contagious disease that is caused by the variola virus. It is one of the most severe infectious human diseases known, with mortality rates as high as 30%. A successful worldwide vaccination program led to the eradication of smallpox in 1980. However, the high transmission rate of variola virus, coupled with the deadly nature of smallpox, makes this virus a potentially devastating weapon for bioterrorism. Currently, there is no specific treatment for smallpox. However, a recent article on the structure of a variola topoisomerase IB-DNA complex provides an intriguing starting point for the rational design of drugs with potential activity against smallpox.
Osheroff
Neil
N
Department of Biochemistry and Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-1046, USA. neil.osheroff@vanderbilt.edu
D000818:Animals; D023482:Bioterrorism; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D004264:DNA Topoisomerases, Type I / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011487:Protein Conformation; D012899:Smallpox / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine; D012901:Variola virus / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine; D004247:DNA; D004264:DNA Topoisomerases, Type I