Carmustine on DNA, RNA, and proteins

Carmustine is a nitrosourea alkylating agent used in chemotherapy for multiple cancers, notably brain tumors and hematological malignancies. It exerts cytotoxic effects primarily by forming covalent cross-links within DNA, thereby inhibiting DNA replication and transcription, and can also alkylate RNA and proteins. This multifaceted alkylation leads to cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and cell death in rapidly dividing cells. Carmustine can also carbamoylate proteins, affecting their function, with glutathione reductase among notable protein targets. Its broad molecular reactivity underlies both its antitumor activity and a range of toxicities.

Other names

Carmustine target(s): DNA, RNA, and proteins

Alkylation and cross-linking of DNA and RNA, leading to inhibition of replication, transcription, and translation. Protein carbamoylation (notably enzymes such as glutathione reductase).