Molecular Biology of DNA Topoisomerases and Its Application to Chemotherapy is based on conference proceedings from the International Symposium on DNA Topoisomerases in Chemotherapy, held in Nagoya, Japan, in November 1991. The book opens with a discussion of the structural and functional properties of various types of DNA topoisomerases identified in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, in addition to their roles as cellular targets of anticancer and antimicrobial agents. Other topics addressed include the genetics and biology of DNA topoisomerases, inhibitors of microbial DNA topoisomerases and drug resistance, inhibitors of mammalian DNA topoisomerases and drug resistance, and preclinical and clinical studies of DNA topoisomerase inhibitors. Molecular Biology of DNA Topoisomerases and Its Application to Chemotherapy will broaden the understanding of biology and genetics of DNA topoisomerases and contribute to the development of antimicrobial and anticancer agents-inhibitors of topoisomerases. It will be invaluable for oncologists, molecular biologists, cellular biologists, geneticists, biochemists, and pharmaceutical researchers.