Synthesis and Activity of Epothilone D

Epothilones are a class of macrolide compounds. Their activities of tubulin polymerization and microtubule depolymerization inhibition like paclitaxel make them a new generation of antimitotic drugs. The mechanism of action is similar to that of paclitaxel, which can bind to tubulin and cause cancer cells to fail to undergo mitosis, thereby causing apoptosis in cancer cells. Epothilone is superior to paclitaxel in anti-tumor spectrum, anti-tumor activity, safety, water solubility and synthetic methods. It is expected to develop into a more effective anti-tumor drug than paclitaxel. Herein, the synthesis methods and activity of epothilone D were summarized and analyzed.