What Is Topoisomerase 1
Targeting Topo1 can inhibit cancer cell division
Imagine DNA is like a really long, twisted-up ladder (like a phone cord). When your cells need to copy the DNA (for cell division or repair), they have to unwind it first. But twisting and untwisting a long cord causes knots and tangles.
That’s where Topoisomerase 1 comes in. It’s like a tool that gently cuts one side of the DNA strand, untwists it just enough to relieve pressure, and then seals it back together. It helps prevent the DNA from snapping or getting too tangled during copying.
Some cancer drugs, like irinotecan, block this tool. That makes it harder for cancer cells to copy their DNA, which helps stop them from growing.
That’s where Topoisomerase 1 comes in. It’s like a tool that gently cuts one side of the DNA strand, untwists it just enough to relieve pressure, and then seals it back together. It helps prevent the DNA from snapping or getting too tangled during copying.
Some cancer drugs, like irinotecan, block this tool. That makes it harder for cancer cells to copy their DNA, which helps stop them from growing.
Updated: August 13, 2025 10:19
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