Researchers find cancer drug fails to stop microtubule collapse due to defects
Scientists at Kanazawa University discovered that structural defects can cause microtubules to break down even when stabilized by the cancer drug paclitaxel.
New observation of structural flaws
A team using high-speed atomic force microscopy watched tiny structures inside cells. They saw how small defects develop and sometimes lead to collapse. This happens even when the drug paclitaxel is present to stabilize them.
Challenge to existing theories
The results published in ACS Nano question the standard view of breakdown locations. Previously, experts believed microtubule failure started mainly at their ends. These findings suggest other structural processes influence how cancer treatments work.
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