Tubulin alpha-8 chain (TUBA8)

The Tubulin alpha-8 chain (TUBA8) is a structural protein forming part of the cellular cytoskeleton by assembling into microtubules with beta-tubulin partners. TUBA8 is the most divergent member of the alpha-tubulin family and uniquely lacks key post-translational modification sites, such as typical lysine acetylation and C-terminal tyrosination. It is expressed highly in testis and muscle, but only modestly in the brain. Mutations have been associated with polymicrogyria and optic nerve hypoplasia, implicating a developmental role in the cerebral cortex. TUBA8’s physiological role appears to involve spermatogenesis and possibly motor control, but knockout models do not show major neurological abnormalities, hinting at redundancy within the tubulin family. It is not currently known as a specific drug target, nor are there any TUBA8-targeting drugs in clinical use; however, tubulins as a group are well-established anti-cancer drug targets.

Other names

Tubulin alpha-8 chainDephenylalaninated tubulin alpha-8 chainTUBA8TUBAL2Alpha-tubulin 8Tubulin alpha chain-like 2CDCBM8MACTHC2tubulin alpha 8 truncated form

For general tubulin-binding agents: Inhibition of microtubule polymerization or depolymerization (arresting cell cycle); Disruption of mitotic spindle (anticancer). No evidence for TUBA8-specific mechanism in current therapeutic practice.