Vinca alkaloid

Vinca alkaloids are a group of anti-mitotic and anti-microtubule alkaloid agents originally derived from the periwinkle plant Catharanthus roseus and related Vinca species[2][3][4]. They are not a single molecule or receptor, but a class of structurally related compounds (notably vincristine, vinblastine, vinorelbine, vindesine, and vinflunine) used primarily as chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer[2][3][4][8]. These compounds exert their biological effects by binding to β-tubulin, inhibiting the polymerization of tubulin into microtubules, thereby blocking the formation of the mitotic spindle and arresting cell division at metaphase, which ultimately leads to cell death[1][2][3][4][8]. Major indications include lymphoid malignancies, leukemias, breast and lung cancers, with prominent roles in curative regimens for pediatric and adult cancers[2][3][8]. Because "vinca alkaloid" refers to a compound class and not a molecular target or receptor, it is not considered a therapeutic target per se; instead, their molecular target is tubulin or microtubules[1][2][3]. If you seek a structured record for a valid "target," the appropriate entry would be "Tubulin" or "Tubulin, beta chain" rather than "Vinca alkaloid."

Other names

Vinca alkaloidsVinca antineoplastic agentsCatharanthus alkaloidsPeriwinkle alkaloidsIndole-indoline alkaloids

Inhibition of tubulin polymerization; Blockade of mitotic spindle formation; Metaphase arrest in the cell cycle