Tubulin

Tubulin is a highly conserved globular protein that serves as the fundamental building block of microtubules, essential components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. Microtubules play critical roles in maintaining cell shape, enabling intracellular transport, and facilitating cell division. Tubulin exists primarily as heterodimers composed of α-tubulin and β-tubulin, which polymerize to form protofilaments and subsequently hollow cylindrical microtubules. Multiple tubulin isotypes exist, with tissue-specific expression. Mutations in tubulin genes can cause neurological disorders. Tubulin is also a major target for cancer chemotherapy, with drugs like paclitaxel and vinblastine disrupting microtubule dynamics.

Stabilizes microtubules (Paclitaxel); Inhibits polymerization (Vinblastine)