Microtubule (polymerized form) (MT)

Microtubules are hollow cylindrical polymers present in all eukaryotic cells, primarily composed of linear protofilaments made from α- and β-tubulin dimers[1][2][3][5][6][8]. These protofilaments assemble side-by-side, most commonly forming a tube with 13 protofilaments and a diameter of approximately 25 nm[2][3][5]. Microtubules are highly dynamic, undergoing rapid cycles of growth and shrinkage, regulated by GTP hydrolysis on β-tubulin[1][2][7]. They serve as tracks for motor proteins (kinesins, dyneins), are crucial for mitosis, and maintain cell shape, polarity, and motility[1][5][8]. Microtubule dynamics are the basis for the mechanism of action of several anticancer agents, which either stabilize or destabilize the polymer[2][7]. Microtubule dysfunction is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, most notably via tau protein abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease[3]. Safety concerns include neurotoxicity and myelosuppression when microtubules are targeted therapeutically.

Other names

microtubuleMTpolymerized tubulinmicrotubule fiber

Stabilization of microtubule polymerization (e.g., Taxol, Docetaxel) Inhibition of microtubule polymerization (e.g., Vincristine, Colchicine) Promotion of microtubule depolymerization (some drugs)