Tubulin as an antiprotozoal drug target.
Since tubulin is a known anticancer and anthelmintic drug target, the investigation of protozoal tubulin could lead to the development of new antiparasitic drugs. This review outlines the current state of knowledge concerning drug-mammalian tubulin interactions, the effects of antimicrotubule agents on parasites and parasite tubulin, and our current hypotheses regarding the development of selective ligands for protozoal tubulin as antiparasitic drug candidates.
Werbovetz
Karl A
KA
Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, 332 Lloyd M Parks Hall, 500 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. werbovetz.1@osu.edu
D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015195:Drug Design; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D014404:Tubulin / Q000378:metabolism*
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D008024:Ligands; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D014404:Tubulin