Paclitaxel is a diterpene compound found in Taxus yunnanensis that exhibits anticancer chemotherapeutic and anti-angiogenic activities. Paclitaxel induces tubulin polymerization, forming stable but nonfunctional microtubules; it inhibits shortening of microtubule leading edges, decreases peripheral microtubule formation, and alters morphology of focal adhesions, preventing cell migration and proliferation. Paclitaxel also dysregulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition, inducing transition of cancer cells into benign fibroblast-like cells. In vitro, paclitaxel induces caspase 8-mediated apoptosis through the association of caspase 8’s death effector domain with microtubules.
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