Indole molecules as inhibitors of tubulin polymerization: potential new anticancer agents

Future Med Chem. 2012 Oct;4(16):2085-115. doi: 10.4155/fmc.12.141.

Abstract

Agents that interfere with tubulin function have a broad anti-tumor spectrum and they represent one of the most significant classes of anticancer agents. In the past few years, several small synthetic molecules that have an indole nucleus as a core structure have been identified as tubulin inhibitors. Among these, several aroylindoles, arylthioindoles, diarylindoles and indolylglyoxyamides have shown good inhibition towards the tubulin polymerization. This article reviews the synthesis, biological activities and SARs of these main classes of indoles. Brief mention has also been made about the fused indole analogs as tubulin inhibitors.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Indoles / chemical synthesis
  • Indoles / chemistry*
  • Indoles / pharmacology*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tubulin / metabolism
  • Tubulin Modulators / chemical synthesis
  • Tubulin Modulators / chemistry*
  • Tubulin Modulators / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Indoles
  • Tubulin
  • Tubulin Modulators