Maytansine is a highly potent microtubule-targeted compound that induces mitotic arrest and kills tumor cells at subnanomolar concentrations.
In Vitro
Maytansine, at 6x10 -8 M, irreversibly inhibits cell division in eggs of sea urchins and clams. Maytansine causes the disappearance of a mitotic apparatus or prevents one from forming if added at early stages. Maytansine inhibits in vitro polymerization of tubulin. MCE has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
