WASP

Microtubules are non-covalent cytoskeletal polymers found in all eukaryotic cells that are involved in mitosis, cell motility, intracellular transport, secretion, the maintenance of cell shape and cell polarization. They are polarized structures composed of α- and β-tubulin heterodimer subunits assembled into linear protofilaments. Microtubules typically consist of 12 or 13 protofilaments aligned in parallel with the same polarity [i.e., one end at which there is a rapid assembly of tubulin (plus end) and the opposite end at which slow assembly or even disassembly occurs (minus end)][1]. Most microtubules occur as single tubes and form cellular structures such as the mitotic spindle and the interphase network[2]. The properties of microtubules depend on the tubulin isoforms they are made up of — there are three α-tubulins (α1, α2 and α4) and five beta-tubulins (βI, βII, βIII, βIVa and βIVb) — and on how they have been altered by various forms of post-translational modification. Post-translational modifications of tubulin subunits mark subpopulations of microtubules and selectively affect their functions[3]. Microtubule associated proteins offer the potential for new targets for anticancer agents, as they have diverse functions including some actions that stabilize the microtubule, others that are involved in tubulin dissociation, and additional proteins that act as motor proteins to transport substances along the microtubule. This class of anti-cancers agents inhibits cell mitosis by binding to the protein tubulin in the mitotic spindle and preventing polymerization or depolymerization into the microtubules[4].


[1] F. Pellegrini, D.R. Budman. Review: tubulin function, action of antitubulin drugs, and new drug development. Cancer Invest. 2005, 23, 264-273.
[2] J. Hammond et al. Tubulin modifications and their cellular functions. Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 2008, 20, 71-76.
[3] C. Conde1, A. Cáceres. Microtubule assembly, organization and dynamics in axons and dendrites. Nat. Rev. Neurosc. 2009, 10, 319-332.
[4] M.A.Jordan. Mechanism of action of antitumor drugs that interact with microtubules and tubulin. Curr. Med. Chem. Anticancer Agents. 2002, 2, 1-17.

1 Item(s)

per page
Axon ID Name Description From price
1804 Wiskostatin Inhibitor of neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP) €105.00

1 Item(s)

per page
Please wait...