Auristatin

Auristatins are a family of complex analogues to the native antineoplastic product dolastatin 10. The auristatins, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) and monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) are specific types of mitotic inhibitors. Auristatins interfere with the formation of microtubules by binding to the β-subunit of α-β tubulin dimers in the cytoplasm. The drug subsequently takes effect by preventing the hydrolysis of GTP molecules on the β-subunit, causing continuous and excessive growth of microtubules. As the microtubules lose their capacity to shorten and separate sister chromatids during anaphase, leading to the arrest of cancer cells in the mitosis stage and eventually, apoptosis.