Maytansine

Maytansine (CAS No.: 35846-53-8) is an alkaloid isolated from the rhizomes and fruits of Celastraceae plants Maytenus ovatus or Maytenus serrata. It belongs to the macrolide antibiotic class and primarily exerts its anti-tumor effects by binding to tubulin, inhibiting microtubule assembly, disrupting mitosis, and causing cell-cycle arrest at metaphase. In vitro studies show that Maytansine can effectively inhibit the proliferation of various tumor cells at nanomolar to low micromolar concentrations. In cell and animal models, it is commonly applied either by direct treatment of cells or delivered in the form of an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) to enhance tumor specificity and reduce systemic toxicity. The dose or concentration used in experiments typically depends on the experimental design and research objectives.