Microtubules and actin filaments: dynamic targets for cancer chemotherapy.
Microtubules and actin filaments play important roles in mitosis, cell signaling, and motility. Thus these cytoskeletal filaments are the targets of a growing number of anti-cancer drugs. In this review we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms of these drugs in relation to microtubule and actin filament polymerization and dynamics. In addition, we outline how, by targeting microtubules, drugs inhibit cell proliferation by blocking mitosis at the mitotic checkpoint and inducing apoptosis. The beta-tubulin isotype specificities of new anticancer drugs and the antitumor potential of agents that act on the actin cytoskeleton are also discussed.
Jordan
M A
MA
Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara 93106-9610, USA. jordan@lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu
Wilson
L
L
D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008870:Microtubules / Q000187:drug effects*; D008938:Mitosis / Q000187:drug effects; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents