Application

Paclitaxel has been used to study PREP2-tubulin interactions using coimmunoprecipitation assays on NIH3T3 cell extracts. This drug has also been used to stabilize tubulin obtained from pig brain.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Paclitaxel is a potent anti-neoplastic and anti-mitotic taxane drug, which binds to the N-terminus of β-tubulin and and stabilizes microtubules arresting the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. The microtubule damage induces apoptosis through a JNK-dependent pathway followed by a JNK-independent pathway, perhaps related to the activation of protein kinase A (PKA) or of Raf-1 kinase, resulting in phosphorylation of Bcl-2. A major metabolite via CYP2CB is 6α-hydroxypaclitaxel (6α-OHP).

Caution

Paclitaxel undergoes transesterification in methanol and hydrolyzes in aqueous solutions.

Features and Benefits

This compound was developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb. To browse the list of other pharma-developed compounds and Approved Drugs/Drug Candidates, click here.

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General description

Chemical structure: taxoide

Packaging

1, 5, 25 mg in glass bottle

Preparation Note

Paclitaxel is soluble in DMSO at 50 mg/ml and can be stored frozen for several months. It is also soluble in methanol (undergoes transesterification), acetonitrile and ethanol. Paclitaxel is rapidly destroyed in weakly alkaline, methanolic solutions and in strongly acidic methanolic solutions (1:1 of methanol:concentrated HCl). It is also soluble in a mixture of 50% Cremophor EL and 50% anhydrous ethanol.