TUBA8

TUBA8 is a human gene that encodes tubulin alpha-8, a member of the tubulin alpha family. Proteins in this family form heterodimers with beta-tubulins to build microtubules, which are essential components of the cytoskeleton involved in maintaining cell shape, enabling intracellular transport, and driving chromosome segregation during cell division.

The TUBA8 gene is one of several alpha-tubulin isotypes encoded in the human genome. The protein product shares the conserved features of alpha-tubulins, including regions important for dimerization and interaction with beta-tubulins. As with other tubulin alpha isotypes, TUBA8-localized tubulin is expected to participate in microtubule assembly and dynamics in a manner that may vary by tissue and developmental context.

Expression studies indicate that TUBA8 is transcribed in multiple tissues, with detectable transcripts in various organ systems, including neural and reproductive tissues. However, its expression pattern is not as broad or well characterized as some other tubulin genes. There are currently no widely established disease associations attributable specifically to TUBA8 mutations, though tubulin genes in general are known to influence neural development and cellular transport when altered, and research continues to clarify any potential links.

In summary, TUBA8 encodes a tubulin alpha isotype that contributes to the formation and function of microtubules, with tissue-specific roles that are still being defined by ongoing research.