tubulinbased

Tubulin-based refers to cellular and molecular systems that rely on tubulin proteins, particularly alpha- and beta-tubulin, which assemble into microtubules. These tubulin-based polymers form a dynamic cytoskeletal network that underpins cell shape, intracellular transport, and division. In most eukaryotic cells, microtubules originate from microtubule organizing centers, with gamma-tubulin playing a key nucleation role. The polymers are formed from alpha/beta-tubulin dimers bound to GTP, with GTP hydrolysis driving dynamic instability.

Microtubules are hollow tubes built from protofilaments; they exhibit growth and shrinkage, termed catastrophe and rescue. The plus end is typically more dynamic than the minus end. Regulatory proteins, such as microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and plus-end tracking proteins, modulate stability, organization, and interactions with motor proteins like kinesin and dynein, which transport cargo along the filament.

Post-translational modifications of tubulin, including acetylation, detyrosination, and polyglutamylation, influence stability and interactions with motors and MAPs. Tubulin-based systems are targets for pharmacological agents; microtubule-stabilizing drugs (taxanes) and destabilizing drugs (vinca alkaloids) disrupt mitosis and are used in cancer therapy.

Beyond cell division, tubulin-based networks organize the mitotic spindle, cilia, and flagella, and participate in signaling pathways. Abnormal tubulin function is linked to neurodegenerative diseases and ciliopathies. Research into tubulin biochemistry and microtubule dynamics informs cell biology, drug development, and nanotechnology applications that harness tubulin polymers.