The DNA topoisomerase II catalytic inhibitor merbarone is genotoxic and induces endoreduplication

► We have shown that merbarone is cytotoxic and genotoxic, it inhibited topo II catalytic activity, and induced endoreduplication in cultured CHO cells. ► We have shown using different novelty techniques, that merbarone effectively induces DNA damage per se. ► We have also shown that merbarone depends on ongoing DNA synthesis for its genotoxic effects.