Tubulin alpha-1B chain (TUBA1B)

Tubulin alpha-1B chain (TUBA1B) is an essential component of microtubules, which are critical cytoskeletal filaments composed of heterodimers of α- and β-tubulin[2][4][1]. This protein is highly conserved and is fundamental for cellular processes such as maintaining cell structure, supporting mitotic cell division, enabling intracellular transport, and facilitating cell motility. TUBA1B is differentially expressed in normal and tumor cells; its upregulation is commonly observed across a wide range of cancers. Functionally, TUBA1B drives tumor progression by promoting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and plays a pivotal role in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment by enhancing immunosuppressive features and influencing immune checkpoints. It is also involved in modulating responses to immunotherapy, affecting tumor mutation burden and immune cell infiltration. Tubulin alpha-1B is the target of several chemotherapeutic agents (microtubule-targeting agents), and alterations in its expression or structure can contribute to drug resistance and significant safety concerns such as neuropathy and haematotoxicity. TUBA1B serves as an important prognostic and predictive biomarker in oncology, and ongoing research is assessing its utility as a direct therapeutic target[1][2][3][4].

Other names

Tubulin alpha 1bTUBA1BDetyrosinated tubulin alpha-1B chainK-ALPHA-1Alpha-tubulin ubiquitousTubulin K-alpha-1Tubulin alpha-ubiquitous chaintubulin, alpha, ubiquitoustubulin alpha-1B chainalpha tubulinalpha-tubulin ubiquitoustubulin K-alpha-1tubulin alpha-ubiquitous chain

Microtubule stabilization (e.g., taxanes prevent microtubule depolymerization)\nMicrotubule destabilization/disruption (e.g., vinca alkaloids inhibit microtubule polymerization)