Antimicrotubule agent
Encyclopedia
An antimicrotubule agent is a type of drug
that blocks cell growth
by stopping mitosis
(cell division
). Antimicrotubule agents interfere with microtubules (cellular
structures that help move chromosomes during mitosis). They are used to treat cancer
.
Drug
A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.In pharmacology, a...
that blocks cell growth
Cell growth
The term cell growth is used in the contexts of cell development and cell division . When used in the context of cell division, it refers to growth of cell populations, where one cell grows and divides to produce two "daughter cells"...
by stopping mitosis
Mitosis
Mitosis is the process by which a eukaryotic cell separates the chromosomes in its cell nucleus into two identical sets, in two separate nuclei. It is generally followed immediately by cytokinesis, which divides the nuclei, cytoplasm, organelles and cell membrane into two cells containing roughly...
(cell division
Cell division
Cell division is the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells . Cell division is usually a small segment of a larger cell cycle. This type of cell division in eukaryotes is known as mitosis, and leaves the daughter cell capable of dividing again. The corresponding sort...
). Antimicrotubule agents interfere with microtubules (cellular
Cellular
Cellular may refer to:*Cellular automaton, a model in discrete mathematics*Cellular , a 2004 movie*Cellular frequencies, assigned to networks operating in cellular RF bands*Cellular manufacturing...
structures that help move chromosomes during mitosis). They are used to treat cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
.
External links
- Antimicrotubule agent entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms