The Sound of Evolution
Paclitaxel
Mechanism of action:
Paclitaxel is a taxane derivative originally derived from Taxus brevifolia. Paclitaxel binds to beta-tubulin, promotes microtubule polymerization, and inhibits microtubule depolymerization, causing microtubules to lose their normal dynamic instability. As a result, the mitotic spindle can no longer function properly, cells become arrested in the G2/M phase, and apoptosis is ultimately induced.
Reference(s):
1. Wall ME et al. (1995). Camptothecin and taxol: discovery to clinic--thirteenth Bruce F. Cain Memorial Award Lecture. Cancer Res.
2. Wani MC et al. (1971). Plant antitumor agents. VI. The isolation and structure of taxol, a novel antileukemic and antitumor agent from Taxus brevifolia. J Am Chem Soc.
3. Fuchs DA et al. (1978). Cytologic evidence that taxol, an antineoplastic agent from Taxus brevifolia, acts as a mitotic spindle poison. Cancer Treat Rep.