Int Neurourol J.  2014 Dec;18(4):171-178. 10.5213/inj.2014.18.4.171.

Microtubule-Targeting Agents Enter the Central Nervous System (CNS): Double-edged Swords for Treating CNS Injury and Disease

• Hur EM
• Lee BD

• KMID: 2232730
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5213/inj.2014.18.4.171

Abstract

Microtubules have been among the most successful targets in anticancer therapy and a large number of microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) are in various stages of clinical development for the treatment of several malignancies. Given that injury and diseases in the central nervous system (CNS) are accompanied by acute or chronic disruption of the structural integrity of neurons and that microtubules provide structural support for the nervous system at cellular and intracellular levels, microtubules are emerging as potential therapeutic targets for treating CNS disorders. It has been postulated that exogenous application of MTAs might prevent the breakdown or degradation of microtubules after injury or during neurodegeneration, which will thereby aid in preserving the structural integrity and function of the nervous system. Here we review recent evidence that supports this notion and also discuss potential risks of targeting microtubules as a therapy for treating nerve injury and neurodegenerative diseases.

Keyword

Microtubules; Neoplasms; Nerve Degeneration; Wounds and Injuries

MeSH Terms

Central Nervous System*
Microtubules
Nerve Degeneration
Nervous System
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurons
Wounds and Injuries