Shopping Cart
Remove All
Your shopping cart is currently empty
TargetMol Star Molecule—Colchicine (Cat. No. T0320, CAS 64-86-8), A Nanomolar Tubulin Binder for Microtubule and Cell Fate Research
Background
Colchicine (T0320) is a naturally derived alkaloid that exerts its primary biological effect through potent inhibition of microtubule polymerization, with an IC50 of approximately 3 nM. This mechanism disrupts the dynamic assembly of tubulin into microtubules, which are critical cytoskeletal components involved in maintaining cell shape, intracellular transport, and mitotic spindle formation. By binding to tubulin, Colchicine effectively halts microtubule elongation, leading to impaired cellular processes such as mitosis and intracellular trafficking. This disruption extends to the modulation of key signaling pathways including apoptosis and autophagy, where microtubule integrity is essential for the proper execution of these cellular programs. Colchicine’s interference with microtubule dynamics can induce apoptotic cell death and influence autophagic flux, highlighting its role in regulating cell fate decisions.
Beyond its cytoskeletal effects, Colchicine acts as a competitive antagonist of the α3 glycine receptor, which may contribute to its broad anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities. Notably, Colchicine inhibits activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a multiprotein complex that mediates inflammatory responses and is implicated in various pathological conditions. This inhibition is particularly relevant in preventing NSAID-induced small intestine injury, where inflammasome activation exacerbates tissue damage. The compound’s ability to modulate inflammasome activity and microtubule-dependent pathways underscores its utility in experimental models of inflammatory diseases such as gouty arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, Colchicine is widely employed in Alzheimer’s disease research to induce neurodegenerative phenotypes by disrupting microtubule stability, thereby facilitating the study of disease mechanisms related to cytoskeletal dysfunction.
In research contexts, Colchicine serves as a valuable tool for dissecting the roles of microtubules in apoptosis, autophagy, and immune signaling. Its capacity to selectively inhibit microtubule polymerization allows for controlled perturbation of cellular architecture and signaling cascades, enabling detailed mechanistic studies. The compound’s multifaceted actions provide insights into the interplay between cytoskeletal dynamics and inflammatory pathways, offering potential avenues for exploring novel targets in disease pathogenesis. Overall, Colchicine’s integration into studies of microtubule-associated processes and inflammasome regulation continues to advance understanding of complex cellular responses in health and disease [1,2].
Molecular structure of Colchicine
Reference
[1] 1. Leung YY, Yao Hui LL, Kraus VB. Colchicine—Update on mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2015;45(3):341-350.
[2] 2. Martinon F. Mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation: recent advances and novel insights. Trends Immunol. 2020;41(12):1032-1041.
Other Articles
Meet TargetMol at EACR 2026!01 Jun 2026
Subscription to TargetMol News
An essential round-up of science news, opinion and analysis, delivered to your inbox every weekday.
- TOP
Feedback
Hello! How can I help you today? 
Copyright © 2015-2026 TargetMol Chemicals Inc. All Rights Reserved.