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Ivermectin exhibits potent anti-mitotic activity

Shoaib Ashraf1, Roger Prichard1

  • 1Institute of Parasitology, McGill University-Macdonald Campus, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, H9X 3V9 Quebec, Canada.

Veterinary Parasitology
|August 13, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Ivermectin (IVM) interacts with mammalian tubulin, stabilizing microtubules and inhibiting cell division. This anti-mitotic effect is reversible, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ivermectin (IVM) is an established anti-parasitic drug.
  • Its primary mechanism involves glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls).
  • Recent findings suggest IVM also interacts with nematode tubulin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction of Ivermectin (IVM) with mammalian tubulin.
  • To determine the effects of IVM on mammalian microtubule dynamics and cell division.
  • To explore the potential of IVM as an anti-mitotic agent.

Main Methods:

  • Tubulin polymerization assays were conducted.
  • HeLa cells were exposed to IVM and subjected to cold-induced depolymerization.
  • Cell replication and division were monitored in vitro.

Main Results:

  • IVM demonstrated direct interaction with mammalian tubulin.
  • IVM increased mammalian tubulin polymerization.
  • IVM stabilized microtubules against depolymerization and inhibited HeLa cell replication reversibly.

Conclusions:

  • Mammalian microtubules bind and are stabilized by IVM at micromolar concentrations.
  • IVM affects tubulin polymerization/depolymerization dynamics, leading to cell death.
  • IVM's anti-mitotic properties warrant further investigation for therapeutic development.
Keywords:
Anti-mitoticIvermectinMammalian tubulin

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