Microtubule dynamics: taking aim at a moving target

Chem Biol. 1995 Sep;2(9):569-73. doi: 10.1016/1074-5521(95)90119-1.

Abstract

Antitumor drugs of the vinca alkaloid and taxane classes function by suppressing the dynamics of microtubules in spindles, blocking cell division at metaphase. The drugs bind to various sites on the tubulin dimer and at different positions within the microtubule, suggesting that there are many unexplored targets for the design of novel drugs of this type.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Drug Design
  • Metaphase / drug effects
  • Microtubules / chemistry
  • Microtubules / drug effects*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Tubulin / chemistry
  • Tubulin / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Tubulin