Microtubule polymerization protein (helminth)

Microtubule polymerization in helminths refers to the assembly of microtubules from α- and β-tubulin heterodimers, a process essential for cell division, motility, and cell morphology in helminthic parasites. This process is targeted by several anti-helminthic drugs (such as albendazole) and cancer therapeutics (colchicine, vinblastine, taxol), which either inhibit or stabilize microtubules. Disruption of microtubule dynamics impairs vital parasite functions and can lead to cell death. Tubulin and microtubule polymerization are validated drug targets in eukaryotic pathogens including helminths, though selective targeting is challenging due to high conservation of tubulin between helminths and host cells.

Other names

Tubulin polymerizationTubulin assemblyα/β-tubulin polymerizationHelminth microtubule assembly

Inhibition of microtubule polymerization (by colchicine, vinblastine) - Stabilization of microtubules to prevent disassembly (by taxol) - Disruption of microtubule assembly-disassembly dynamics leading to impaired cell division and parasite death