Demecolcine

Demecolcine, also known as N-desmethylcolchicine, is a vinca alkaloid derivative related to colchicine. It is a demethylated form of colchicine and can occur as a natural product in certain plant sources or be produced synthetically for research purposes.

Mechanism of action for demecolcine mirrors that of other colchicine-family compounds: it binds to tubulin at the colchicine binding site and inhibits tubulin polymerization, leading to disruption of microtubule formation. As a result, dividing cells experience mitotic arrest, typically during metaphase, and spindle assembly is impaired.

Applications in research focus on cell biology and plant science. Demecolcine is used as a tool to study microtubule dynamics and to induce mitotic arrest or polyploidy in cultured cells and plant tissues. In plant breeding, spindle inhibitors like demecolcine have been employed to generate polyploid lines, although colchicine is more commonly used for this purpose.

Chemistry and sources: Demecolcine is an alkaloid with structural similarity to colchicine. It can be isolated from certain Colchicum species or prepared synthetically via modification of the colchicine scaffold.

Safety and handling: Demecolcine is a cytotoxic compound and requires careful handling under appropriate laboratory safety protocols. Exposure can cause adverse effects, including mucosal irritation and potential bone marrow suppression. It is not approved for clinical use in humans and is primarily used in preclinical research.

See also: Colchicine, Vincristine, Vinblastine.