Tubulin Polymerization Protein

Tubulin is a globular protein that serves as the fundamental building block of microtubules, which are dynamic polymers forming a key component of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. Microtubules provide structural support, facilitate intracellular transport, and play essential roles in cell division and DNA segregation. Tubulin exists primarily as heterodimers composed of α-tubulin and β-tubulin subunits. Microtubule assembly is driven by GTP-bound tubulin dimers adding preferentially to the (+) end; GTP hydrolysis on β-tubulin leads to dynamic instability—a rapid switch between growth and shrinkage phases crucial for cellular functions like mitosis. Alterations in tubulin isoform expression are linked to diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Many chemotherapeutic agents target tubulins by inhibiting their polymerization dynamics.

Other names

Tubulinα-Tubulinβ-Tubulinγ-Tubulinδ-Tubulinε-Tubulinζ-Tubulin

Inhibition of tubulin polymerization, disruption of microtubule dynamics