Cell-based screen for identification of inhibitors of tubulin polymerization

  • J Nat Prod. 1996 Dec;59(12):1179-82. doi: 10.1021/np960144k.
J M Kokoshka  1 ,  C M Ireland ,  L R Barrows
Affiliations
  • 1. University of Utah, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Salt Lake City 84112, USA.
PMID: 8988604 DOI: 10.1021/np960144k
Abstract

This assay is based on morphological changes of rat glioma cells treated with db-cAMP. The db-cAMP treatment induces a tubulin-dependent change causing the cells to acquire a spherical shape. Pretreatment with tubulin inhibitors brings about the disintegration of tubulin polymer and/or prevents its polymerization. Cells with inhibited tubulin fail to respond to db-cAMP treatment. Cells treated with inhibitors of tubulin polymerization are then separated from the spherical cells by aspiration. A semiautomated scanning procedure evaluates the final culture density and yields graphical data.