Microtubule protein polymerization

Microtubule protein polymerization is the dynamic process by which α- and β-tubulin dimers assemble to generate microtubules, a vital component of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. This process is characterized by "dynamic instability", allowing microtubules to rapidly switch between growth and shrinkage. It is crucial for cell division, intracellular transport, and maintaining cell architecture. Many anticancer drugs target microtubule polymerization to halt cell proliferation[2][3][6][7]. Rather than a distinct molecular entity, microtubule protein polymerization refers to the activity and behavior of tubulin polymers modulated by specific proteins (such as EB1, CLASP, XMAP215) and regulated by GTP hydrolysis[3][6][1].

Other names

Microtubule polymerizationMT polymerizationmicrotubule assemblytubulin polymerization

Stabilization of microtubules against depolymerization (e.g., paclitaxel) Inhibition/disruption of polymerization (e.g., vincristine, colchicine)