Tubulin alpha-1A chain (TUBA1A) (TUBA1A)

Tubulin alpha-1A (TUBA1A) is a major structural component of microtubules, which are essential cytoskeletal filaments formed by the polymerization of alpha- and beta-tubulin heterodimers [1, 11]. It is highly expressed in the developing brain and plays a critical role in neuronal migration, axon guidance, and intracellular transport [2, 5, 14]. Mutations in the TUBA1A gene are associated with a spectrum of brain malformations known as tubulinopathies, including lissencephaly and pachygyria, which lead to severe neurological deficits and epilepsy [4, 14, 15]. In clinical practice, tubulin is a primary target for various anti-cancer drugs, such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids, which disrupt microtubule dynamics to induce mitotic arrest and apoptosis [6, 11, 12]. These drugs are generally divided into stabilizing agents, which enhance polymerization, and destabilizing agents, which inhibit it [12]. While most existing drugs target the beta-subunit or the heterodimer interface, TUBA1A remains a key structural element whose regulation and interaction with microtubule-associated proteins are vital for cellular integrity and development [10, 11]. The precise regulation of TUBA1A is essential for the dynamic instability of microtubules, a process required for proper spindle formation during mitosis [11, 12].

Other names

Alpha-tubulin 1Tubulin alpha-1 chainAlpha-tubulin 3Tubulin B-alpha-1LIS3TUBA3B-ALPHA-1Detyrosinated tubulin alpha-1A chain

Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) bind to tubulin to either stabilize (e.g., taxanes) or destabilize (e.g., vinca alkaloids) microtubules, leading to mitotic arrest and apoptosis.