Paclitaxel and its semi-synthetic derivatives: comprehensive insights into chemical structure, mechanisms of action, and anticancer properties

Abstract

Cancer is a disease that can cause abnormal cell growth and can spread throughout the body. It is among the most significant causes of death worldwide, resulting in approx. 10 million deaths annually. Many synthetic anticancer drugs are available, but they often come with side effects and can interact negatively with other medications. Additionally, many chemotherapy drugs used for cancer treatment can develop resistance and harm normal cells, leading to dose-limiting side effects. As a result, finding effective cancer treatments and developing new drugs remains a significant challenge. However, plants are a potent source of natural products with the potential for cancer treatment. These biologically active compounds may be the basis for enhanced or less toxic derivatives. Herbal medicines/phytomedicines, or plant-based drugs, are becoming more popular in treating complicated diseases like cancer due to their effectiveness and are a particularly attractive option due to their affordability, availability, and lack of serious side effects. They have broad applicability and therapeutic efficacy, which has spurred scientific research into their potential as anticancer agents. This review focuses on Paclitaxel (PTX), a plant-based drug derived from Taxus sp., and its ability to treat specific tumors. PTX and its derivatives are effective against various cancer cell lines. Researchers can use this detailed information to develop effective and affordable treatments for cancer.

Transformative Natural Product-Drug Combinations Pioneering Techniques for Enhanced Efficacy Against Drug-Resistant Pathogens for drug discovery and development.

“…For instance, genes responsible for paclitaxel biosynthesis have been successfully integrated into microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, enabling these microbes to produce paclitaxel precursors (Tong et al, 2022). Additionally, plant cell culture techniques have been employed to cultivate paclitaxel from Taxus cell cultures (Sati et al, 2024;Wu et al, 2022).…”

Historical Perspective and Current Trends in Anticancer Drug Development

“…The result of these studies was the isolation of a natural product from the bark of the Pacific yew, Taxus brevifolia, which was named paclitaxel (Taxol) (Figure 9) [79,80]. The mechanism of its cytotoxic effect was discovered in 1979, when it was found that paclitaxel interacts with cell microtubules [81,82]. Paclitaxel works by selectively binding to the β-subunit of the tubulin protein, promoting its polymerization and assembly, which The mechanism of its cytotoxic effect was discovered in 1979, when it was found that paclitaxel interacts with cell microtubules [81,82].…”

“…The mechanism of its cytotoxic effect was discovered in 1979, when it was found that paclitaxel interacts with cell microtubules [81,82]. Paclitaxel works by selectively binding to the β-subunit of the tubulin protein, promoting its polymerization and assembly, which The mechanism of its cytotoxic effect was discovered in 1979, when it was found that paclitaxel interacts with cell microtubules [81,82]. Paclitaxel works by selectively binding to the β-subunit of the tubulin protein, promoting its polymerization and assembly, which stabilizes microtubules and leads to the accumulation of microtubule bundles in cells [83].…”