Tubulin Polymerization Protein Family Members (Microtubules) (Tubulin)

Tubulin polymerization protein family members are globular proteins that form the building blocks of microtubules, a key component of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. Microtubules are dynamic, hollow tubes composed primarily of α- and β-tubulin heterodimers, but also include other isoforms such as γ-, δ-, ε-, and ζ-tubulins. These isoforms assemble into protofilaments to create the cylindrical structure of microtubules. Microtubules play essential roles in maintaining cell shape, providing mechanical support, organizing cytoplasmic components, facilitating intracellular transport, chromosome segregation during mitosis/meiosis, and forming structural elements in cilia and flagella. The dynamic instability of microtubules is regulated by GTP binding/hydrolysis on β-tubulin subunits. Dysregulation or mutations can lead to diseases like cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Other names

Tubulin alphaTubulin betaTubulin gammaTubulin deltaTubulin epsilonTubulin zetaTubulin etaTubulin thetaTubulin iotaTubulin kappaTubulin lambdaTubulin muTubulin nuTubulin XTubulin YMicrotubules

Microtubule stabilization (e.g., Paclitaxel) or destabilization (e.g., Vinblastine), leading to disruption of cell division.