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Live Imaging to Study Microtubule Dynamic Instability in Taxane-resistant Breast Cancers
Published on: February 20, 2017
Tubulin as a target for anticancer drugs
1Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany. erwin.von-angerer@chemie.uni-regensburg.de
Current Opinion in Drug Discovery & Development
|August 4, 2009
Summary
Researchers explore natural compounds that target tubulin polymerization and microtubule stability for cancer treatment. New agents show promise against drug-resistant cancers, but toxicity and availability remain challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Microtubules are crucial for cell division, making them a target for anticancer drugs.
- Existing tubulin-targeting agents face limitations due to acquired drug resistance.
- Nature offers diverse compounds that modulate microtubule dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review natural agents that inhibit tubulin polymerization or stabilize microtubules.
- To highlight novel compounds and their potential in overcoming drug resistance.
- To discuss the therapeutic prospects and limitations of these agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of natural products and synthetic derivatives affecting tubulin.
- Analysis of mechanisms of action, including inhibition of polymerization and stabilization of microtubules.
- Evaluation of efficacy against multidrug-resistant cancer cell lines.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous natural and synthetic compounds inhibiting tubulin aggregation (e.g., vinflunine, AC-7700, dolastatins).
- Highlighted taxanes and related natural products (e.g., epothilones) as microtubule stabilizers.
- Noted enhanced potency and activity in multidrug-resistant cells for some novel agents.
Conclusions:
- New tubulin-targeting agents derived from nature offer potential against resistant cancers.
- Further development is needed to address toxicity and availability concerns for clinical application.
- Targeting microtubule dynamics remains a promising strategy in cancer therapy.
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