ALCAPs induce mitochondrial apoptosis and activate DNA damage response by generating ROS and inhibiting topoisomerase I enzyme activity in K562 leukemia cell line

► ALCAPs are topoisomerase I enzyme inhibitors in vitro. ► DNA damage occurs subsequent to cytochrome C release after 6 h of treatment. ► ALCAP2, 7 and 8, induce apoptosis, result PARP cleavage and DNA damage response. ► ALCAPs generate ROS, activates H2AX and ATM phosphorylations in leukemia cell K562. ► Antioxidant l-NAC abrogates ROS mediated apoptosis, induced by ALCAPs.