Nuclear Tubulin: A Novel for Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
Abstract
Our research is based on our observation that the beta x isotype of tubulin is found in the nuclei of breast cancer cells. Our goals are to learn the function of 11 and to design a novel anti-tumor drug that will target beta x. We have found that beta x enters the nucleus without going through the nuclear membrane. Instead, beta x binds to a nuclear component after the nucleus has disintegrated during mitosis and then remains in the nucleus when the nucleus re-forms after mitosis. The process by which beta iv is localized to the nucleus is specific for beta x; neither beta x nor beta iv do this. It is possible that the nuclear component to which (3"binds could be a novel target for anti-tumor drugs. We have found that vinbiastine and taxol, two well-known anti-tumor drugs, cause (beta x to be expelled from the nucleus. This raises the possibility that this may be part of their mechanism of action. We have also synthesized a derivative of colchicine bound to a peptide with a nuclear localization sequence; this peptide is likely to target nuclear tubulin.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA389423
Entities
People
- Richard Luduena
Organizations
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio