Tubulin beta-3 chain mRNA (TUBB3 mRNA)

Tubulin beta-3 chain (TUBB3) mRNA is the transcript encoding the Class III beta-tubulin protein, a microtubule constituent primarily localized to neurons (NCBI Gene: 10381). In healthy tissues, it plays a vital role in neurogenesis, axonal guidance, and maintenance of the neuronal cytoskeleton (UniProt: P02554). However, TUBB3 mRNA is aberrantly expressed in many non-neuronal cancers, such as ovarian, lung, and prostate cancer, where it is strongly associated with aggressive disease and resistance to microtubule-stabilizing drugs like paclitaxel (McCarroll et al., 2015, Cancer Research). Targeting the mRNA via RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) allows for the specific knockdown of this tubulin isoform, which can sensitize resistant tumor cells to chemotherapy (Kanakis et al., 2019, Journal of Personalized Medicine). This strategy is a promising avenue for precision oncology, though it faces challenges regarding delivery and the potential for peripheral neuropathy if neuronal tubulin levels are significantly affected.

Other names

Class III beta-tubulin mRNATUBB3 transcriptCDCBM1 mRNACFEOM3 mRNATUBB4 mRNA

RNA interference (RNAi) or antisense-mediated degradation of the TUBB3 transcript to prevent the translation of Class III beta-tubulin protein.