benzoylphenylurea

Benzoylphenylurea (BPU) is a small molecule with antineoplastic and insecticidal properties. As an antineoplastic agent, it binds to the colchicine binding site on tubulin, blocking tubulin polymerization and disrupting mitotic function. This leads to inhibition of cell division and arrest of leukemia cells in the G1-S transition phase of the cell cycle. Additionally, it inhibits DNA polymerase activity[1][2]. Benzoylphenylureas are also known as the parent compound for a class of insecticides that act as insect growth regulators by inhibiting chitin biosynthesis in insects, thereby disrupting molting and development[6][7][9]. The compound was initially developed by the National Cancer Institute for cancer therapy but its clinical development has been discontinued[4].

Other names

N-benzoyl-N'-phenylureaBPU