Microtubules: a dynamic target in cancer therapy

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Live Imaging to Study Microtubule Dynamic Instability in Taxane-resistant Breast Cancers
06:02

Live Imaging to Study Microtubule Dynamic Instability in Taxane-resistant Breast Cancers

Published on: February 20, 2017

Eddy Pasquier1, Maria Kavallaris

  • 1Pharmacoproteomics Program, Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Randwick, NSW, Australia.

IUBMB Life
|April 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

New anticancer drugs targeting the tubulin/microtubule system, like epothilones, show promise by disrupting mitosis. This review examines drug resistance mechanisms and strategies to overcome them.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The tubulin/microtubule system is a validated target for anticancer therapies, with vinca alkaloids and taxanes being clinically significant.
  • Newer agents, including epothilones, are emerging, demonstrating efficacy in clinical trials.
  • These agents function by binding to beta-tubulin, disrupting microtubule dynamics during mitosis, inducing mitotic arrest, and promoting cell death, with additional anti-angiogenic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of resistance to tubulin-binding anticancer agents.
  • To discuss strategies for overcoming drug resistance related to the cellular target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on tubulin-binding agents.
  • Analysis of mechanisms of drug resistance at the cellular target level.
  • Synthesis of current strategies to overcome resistance.

Main Results:

  • Tubulin-binding agents disrupt microtubule function, leading to mitotic arrest and cell death.
  • Inhibition of angiogenesis is another key effect of these agents.
  • Drug resistance remains a significant clinical challenge.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for effective cancer treatment.
  • Developing strategies to overcome resistance is essential for improving patient outcomes with tubulin-binding agents.

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