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Related Concept Videos

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
Anthelminthic Agents01:15

Anthelminthic Agents

Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules01:10

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
Destabilization of Microtubules01:45

Destabilization of Microtubules

The destabilization of microtubules can occur during different stages of the microtubule lifecycle, such as nucleation or elongation. It can take place at either end of the microtubule or in the microtubule lattices as a whole. The lifespan of individual microtubules within a cell varies according to the cell type and stage of the cell cycle. During interphase, the lifespan of the microtubule is about 30 minutes, while during cell division, it is about 15 minutes. In axonal microtubules of...
Microtubules01:35

Microtubules

There are three types of cytoskeletal structures in eukaryotic cells—microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. With a diameter of about 25 nm, microtubules are the thickest of these fibers. Microtubules carry out a variety of functions that include cell structure and support, transport of organelles, cell motility (movement), and the separation of chromosomes during cell division.
Microtubules01:18

Microtubules

Microtubules are the thickest cytoskeletal filaments with a diameter of 25 nm. In prokaryotic organisms, microtubules are commonly found in locomotory appendages like cilia and flagella. In eukaryotic cells, microtubules form specialized extensions for moving fluid over the surface, like those found in cells lining the intestine.
Microtubules have two structurally similar globular protein subunits: α and β tubulins. In the cytosol, the α and β tubulins form a heterodimer. These αβ-heterodimers...

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Optimizing Tubulin Yield from Porcine Brain Tissue
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Published on: October 11, 2024

[Antitubulin agents].

Charles Dumontet1

  • 1Hospices civils de Lyon, université Lyon-I, centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, France. charles.dumontet@chu-lyon.fr

Bulletin Du Cancer
|October 26, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microtubule binding agents are crucial cancer therapies. Current research focuses on developing novel agents with improved tumor specificity and reduced toxicity for better cancer treatment outcomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal components and validated targets for cancer chemotherapy.
  • Microtubule-targeting agents, including vinca alkaloids and taxanes, have been mainstays in cancer treatment for decades.
  • Novel agents like ixabepilone and eribulin, alongside maytansinoid-based immunoconjugates, expand therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of microtubule binding agents in cancer therapy.
  • To highlight ongoing research efforts in discovering novel antitubulin compounds.
  • To identify key objectives for future drug development in this area.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on microtubule binding agents.
  • Analysis of approved drugs and ongoing clinical investigations.
  • Exploration of screening programs for new botanical and marine-derived agents.

Main Results:

  • A diverse range of microtubule binding agents are approved and in development.
  • Maytansinoids are utilized in antibody-drug conjugates for targeted delivery.
  • Screening of natural sources continues to identify promising new antitubulin compounds.

Conclusions:

  • Novel microtubule binding agents are actively being sought to overcome limitations of current therapies.
  • Key goals include enhancing tumor specificity and reducing neurotoxicity.
  • Developing agents insensitive to chemoresistance mechanisms is a critical objective for improved cancer treatment.