How Do You Spell MAYTANSINE?

Pronunciation: [mˈe͡ɪtɐnsˌa͡ɪn] (IPA)

Maytansine, also known as DM1, is a cytotoxic agent that has been used in cancer treatment. The spelling of "Maytansine" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which represents sounds used in spoken language. The IPA for "Maytansine" is /meɪˈtænsin/, which breaks down into the sounds of "m" (meɪ), "ay" (eɪ), "t" (t), "a" (æ), "n" (n), "s" (s), "i" (ɪ), and "ne" (n). This phonetic breakdown helps in understanding the pronunciation of the word and its spelling.

MAYTANSINE Meaning and Definition

1. Maytansine is a potent cytotoxic compound derived from the Maytenus plant genus, primarily found in Africa and Central America. Chemically, it belongs to the family of ansamycins, which are macrocyclic lactones. Maytansine possesses powerful anticancer properties and has been extensively studied as a potential chemotherapeutic agent.

   Maytansine works by inhibiting the assembly of microtubules, which are essential components of the cellular cytoskeleton involved in cell division. By interfering with microtubule dynamics, maytansine disrupts the mitotic process, leading to cell cycle arrest and ultimately inducing cell death. Moreover, maytansine also prevents the movement of vesicles within cells, interfering with vital cellular processes that are required for cancer cell survival.

   Due to its remarkable cytotoxic effects, maytansine has garnered significant attention from the scientific community. However, the compound's complex structure and limited availability, particularly from natural sources, present challenges for its clinical application. Various synthetic analogs and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have been developed to improve the pharmacokinetic properties and enhance the targeting of maytansine to tumor cells while reducing off-target toxicity.

   Overall, maytansine represents a promising class of anticancer agents, and ongoing research aims to harness its potential in the fight against cancer, potentially improving treatment options and patient outcomes.

Common Misspellings for MAYTANSINE

• maytahsine

Etymology of MAYTANSINE

The word "Maytansine" is derived from the name of a shrub called "Maytenus". Maytenus is a genus of flowering plants, commonly known as spike-thorns or "maytens". It belongs to the family Celastraceae and is native to South America, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Maytenus shrubs possess certain natural compounds that have medicinal properties. One of these compounds, discovered in the 1970s, was a potent cytotoxic compound that showed promising anti-cancer activity. This compound was named "maytansine" after the Maytenus shrub from which it was derived.