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Repositioning Microtubule Stabilizing Drugs for Brain Disorders
Artemis Varidaki1, Ye Hong1, Eleanor T Coffey1
1Turku Centre for Biotechnology, Åbo Akademi University and University of Turku, Biocity, Tykistokatu, Turku, Finland.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|August 24, 2018
Summary
Microtubule stabilizing agents, used in chemotherapy, show promise for treating neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease by addressing microtubule defects. Research is exploring their potential and clinical trials are ongoing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Microtubule stabilizing agents are vital chemotherapy drugs that inhibit cell division.
- Newer agents offer improved brain penetration and pharmacokinetic profiles.
- Microtubule dysfunction is linked to various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To catalog microtubule regulators implicated in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, schizophrenia, and mood disorders.
- To review microtubule stabilizing agents used in cancer therapy, focusing on brain penetrance and side effects.
- To describe the application of these agents for central nervous system disorders and summarize clinical trial status.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microtubule stabilizing agents.
- Analysis of drug properties including brain penetrance and side effects.
- Cataloging of microtubule regulators associated with specific neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- Summary of ongoing clinical trials for CNS disorders.
Main Results:
- Identified key microtubule regulators associated with neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases.
- Outlined classes of microtubule stabilizing agents, their properties, and side effects.
- Described current efforts and clinical trial progress in repositioning these agents for brain disorders.
Conclusions:
- Microtubule stabilizing agents represent a potential therapeutic avenue for neurological and psychiatric illnesses.
- Further research and clinical trials are necessary to establish efficacy and safety for CNS applications.
- Repositioning chemotherapy agents offers a promising strategy for treating complex brain disorders.
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