DYNASORE and CALL DIVISION: Implications for Cancer Research

DYNASORES

Dynasore is a small molecule that is commonly used as a dynamin inhibitor in cell biology research. Dynamin is a GTPase enzyme that plays a critical role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis, a process by which cells internalize extracellular material. Dynasore works by binding to the GTPase domain of dynamin, inhibiting its GTPase activity and preventing the formation of the dynamin ring structure necessary for membrane fission and vesicle formation.

Dynasore was first identified in a high-throughput screening of small molecule libraries for compounds that could inhibit dynamin-dependent endocytosis. Since then, it has been widely used as a tool to study the role of dynamin in a variety of cellular processes, including receptor-mediated endocytosis, synaptic vesicle recycling, and cell division.

Dynasore has also shown potential as a therapeutic agent, particularly in the treatment of viral infections. In several studies, dynasore has been shown to inhibit the entry of various viruses, including Ebola virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), into host cells. Additionally, dynasore has been shown to inhibit the replication of HIV and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in cell culture.

However, it's important to note that while dynasore has shown promise in preclinical studies, it has not yet been approved for use as a therapeutic agent in humans. As with any experimental drug, further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

Chemical structure: Dynasore is a small molecule with a molecular weight of 289.3 g/mol. Its chemical formula is C18H15NO2 and its IUPAC name is 7-chloro-6-(2-imino-2,3-dihydrobenzothiazol-3-yl)-2,3-dihydro-5H-1,3-benzoxazole.

Mechanism of action: Dynasore inhibits dynamin, a GTPase enzyme that plays a critical role in the process of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Specifically, dynasore binds to the GTPase domain of dynamin and inhibits its GTPase activity, preventing the formation of the dynamin ring structure necessary for membrane fission and vesicle formation.

Uses in research: Dynasore is commonly used as a tool to study the role of dynamin in various cellular processes, including receptor-mediated endocytosis, synaptic vesicle recycling, and cell division. It has also been used to investigate the mechanism of viral entry and replication.

Potential therapeutic uses: In addition to its uses in research, dynasore has shown potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of viral infections. It has been shown to inhibit the entry and replication of various viruses in cell culture, including Ebola virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, HIV, and HSV.

Preclinical studies: Although dynasore has shown promise in preclinical studies, it has not yet been approved for use as a therapeutic agent in humans. Further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks. Additionally, because dynasore inhibits dynamin, which is involved in various cellular processes, it may have off-target effects that could limit its therapeutic potential.

Availability: Dynasore is commercially available from several suppliers and can be purchased for use in research. It is typically provided as a powder and must be dissolved in a suitable solvent before use.