Towards modern anticancer agents that interact with tubulin

Eur J Pharm Sci. 2019 Apr 1:131:58-68. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.01.028. Epub 2019 Jan 25.

Abstract

Tubulin is the primary target of an ever growing number of natural, semisynthetic and synthetic products as potential anticancer agents. The mechanisms of interaction of these molecules with tubulin are varied. These drug classes have shown to inhibit effectively several cancer types with IC50 from midmicromolar to low nanomolar concentrations. However, some limiting obstacles still remain, such as the development of multidrug resistance and cytotoxicity. We have reviewed recent advances in different classes of tubulin binding agents, including colchicine site agents, Vinca alkaloids, tryprostatins, moroidin, hemiasterlin, diazonamide, taxanes, epothilones and laulimalide.

Keywords: Cancer; Chemotherapeutics; Interaction; Microtubules; Tubulin.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Tubulin / metabolism*
  • Tubulin Modulators* / pharmacology
  • Tubulin Modulators* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Tubulin
  • Tubulin Modulators