Anthracyclines

The mechanism of action of daunorubicin is through inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis by intercalating between the base pairs of the DNA helix, which leads to the formation of a stable complex between the drug and DNA. This complex inhibits the function of topoisomerase II, which is an enzyme that helps to unwind the DNA strands during DNA replication and transcription. By inhibiting the function of topoisomerase II, daunorubicin causes DNA damage and triggers apoptosis, which leads to the death of cancer cells. Daunorubicin also generates free radicals, which can further damage cancer cells by causing oxidative stress.