Imatinib Mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used primarily in leukemia research. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) cells contain a hybrid tyrosine kinase BCR/ABL that works to provide the cancer cell with ATP at an uncontrolled rate. Imatinib Mesylate inhibits this protein to slow cell growth and promote apoptosis.
| Mechanism of Action |
Imatinib Mesylate binds to the ATP binding site of the BCR/ABL tyrosine kinase. This enzyme is the constitutive abnormal tyrosine kinase created by the Philadelphia chromosome abnormality in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). |
| Molecular Formula | C29H31N7O•CH3SO3H |
| References | Goldman JM and Melo JV (2003) Chronic myeloid leukemia — Advances in biology and new approaches to treatment. New England J. of Med. 349(15):1451-1464 Marcucci B, Perrotti D, Caligiuri MA (2003) Understanding the molecular basis of Imatinib Mesylate therapy in chronic myelogenous leukemia and the related mechanisms of resistance. Clin. Cancer Res. 9(4):1248-1252 |
