Maytansine
Maytansine
Maytansine (pronounced may-TAN-seen) is a potent antineoplastic agent originally isolated from the Ethiopian shrub Maytenus serrata.
Etymology
The term "Maytansine" is derived from the plant genus Maytenus, from which it was first isolated, and the suffix "-ine", commonly used in the nomenclature of alkaloids.
Definition
Maytansine is a type of cytotoxic agent, meaning it is toxic to cells, particularly those that are rapidly dividing, such as cancer cells. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antimitotic agents, which work by inhibiting the process of mitosis, or cell division.
Mechanism of Action
Maytansine acts by binding to the tubulin proteins in cancer cells, which are essential for cell division. By doing this, it prevents the cells from dividing and growing, leading to cell death.
Related Terms
- Antineoplastic agent: A substance that inhibits the growth and spread of cancerous or potentially cancerous cells.
- Cytotoxic: Toxic to cells.
- Antimitotic agent: A type of drug that inhibits cell division.
- Mitosis: The process of cell division.
- Tubulin: A protein that is essential for cell division.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Maytansine
- Wikipedia's article - Maytansine
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