Targeting the kinesin spindle protein: basic principles and clinical implications

Clin Cancer Res. 2008 Dec 1;14(23):7583-7. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-08-0120.

Abstract

Kinesin spindle protein (KSP), a member of the kinesin superfamily of microtubule-based motors, plays a critical role in mitosis as it mediates centrosome separation and bipolar spindle assembly and maintenance. Inhibition of KSP function leads to cell cycle arrest at mitosis with the formation of monoastral microtubule arrays, and ultimately, to cell death. Several KSP inhibitors are currently being studied in clinical trials and provide new opportunities for the development of novel anticancer therapeutics alternative from the available microtubule targeting drugs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Kinesins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Kinesins / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • KIF11 protein, human
  • Kinesins