Apicularen A acetate induces cell death via AIF translocation and disrupts the microtubule network by down-regulating tubulin in HM7 human colon cancer cells.

•We synthesized the acetyl derivative of the antitumor agent apicularen A.•Apicularen A acetate induces cytotoxicity and sub-G1 accumulation in HM7 cells.•Apicularen A acetate triggers caspase-independent cell death via AIF translocation.•Apicularen A acetate disrupts the microtubule networks by tubulin down-regulation.•Substitution of functional groups of drugs may be a good strategy for cancer therapy.