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Thalidomide, once a safe tranquilizer, revealed its dangerous effects during limb formation, leading to congenital disabilities such as reduced or absent arms and legs. The optical isomer of thalidomide inhibits blood vessel formation, which has spurred interest in its potential as an anticancer drug. Understanding its mechanism and the quaternary structure of associated proteins, such as thymidylate synthase, is crucial for further research. This exploration highlights the dual nature of thalidomide, illustrating both its therapeutic potential and teratogenic effects.
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Thalidomide effect – Fig. 3.29 1 optical isomer is a safe tranquilizer – mirror image inhibits blood vessel formation – use as anticancer drug?
Thalidomide taken during narrow windows of limb formation gave reduced or no arms or legs – apparently by affecting blood vessel formation
phageT4 thymidylate synthase. White: structure maintained; Red: universally conserved in bacteria and eukaryotes; yellow: unique to T4; purple: like archae
