In vitro inhibition of microtubule assembly by disulfiram.

Disulfiram (Tetraethylthiuram disulfide, DSF) inhibits in vitro tubulin polymerization in a dose-dependent manner after a preliminary incubation time. Electron micrographs show that microtubules are shorter and less numerous. This inhibition may be correlated to blockade of protein SH groups. The linkage of DSF-tubulin hinders the vinca alkaloids-tubulin binding as shown using radioactive assay and microcalorimetric measurements. These results could be responsible for the occurrence of some side effects observed during the therapeutic use of this drug.