Topoisomerase II Assay Kit - 100 Assays

This assay kit is designed to allow quick and specific assays for eukaryotic type II DNA topoisomerases. This kit facilitates the purification and characterization of type II enzymes and contains all reagents necessary for routine assays of type II topoisomerases. The assay is based upon decatentation of kinetoplast DNA (KDNA) and because it is specific for type II activity (not type I), it can be carried out with crude cell extracts. Reaction products are resolved using a novel gel system developed by TopoGEN that allows extremely rapid and unambiguous detection of topoisomerase II activity. The appropriate buffers, DNA substrates and DNA markers are included. Purified topo II is not included in this kit; however, topoisomerase II decatenated and linear DNA markers are included to allow clear and facile identification of topo II activity in the extracts or fractions defined by the user. The assay kit can also be used in conjunction with purified enzyme (supplied by TopoGEN) to detect inhibitors of topo II (see TopoNOTES Vol. 1 No. 1). The KDNA assay will detect poisons that stimulate DNA cleavage by topo II as well as agents that simply inhibit catalytic activity. The advantage of KDNA based assays is that the assays are fast and easy to allow activity guided purification of inhibitors from crude mixtures or extracts.