The Role of Microtubules in Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Oncology

Abstract

Numerous peptides bind to tubulin and inhibit the function of microtubules. The molecular classes discussed in this chapter are dolastatins, cryptophycins, hemiasterlins, phomopsin, ustiloxins, diazonamides, tubulysins, and vitilevuamide. These natural product agents bind to tubulin at a site that is similar but distinct compared with vinblastine and depolymerize microtubules. Many of these agents are potent inhibitors of cell division that have been tested in clinical trials as antitumor agents. These agents are excellent research tools to understand the molecular basis of tubulin function. Further exploration is needed to define their optimal utility in the clinic.