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Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Purification of Tubulin with Controlled Posttranslational Modifications and Isotypes from Limited Sources by Polymerization-Depolymerization Cycles
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Published on: November 5, 2020

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βIII-tubulin overexpression in cancer: Causes, consequences, and potential therapies

Arun Kanakkanthara1, John H Miller2

  • 1Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Reviews on Cancer
|August 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Class III β-tubulin (βIII-tubulin) overexpression in tumors correlates with poor outcomes and treatment resistance. This review explores βIII-tubulin

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Class III β-tubulin (βIII-tubulin) is overexpressed in various human cancers.
  • This overexpression is linked to tumor aggressiveness, poor patient prognosis, and resistance to chemotherapy.
  • Understanding βIII-tubulin's role is crucial for cancer treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical implications of βIII-tubulin overexpression in cancer.
  • To describe regulatory factors of βIII-tubulin expression.
  • To discuss mechanisms of βIII-tubulin-mediated therapeutic resistance and tumor aggressiveness.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of existing evidence on βIII-tubulin in cancer.
  • Analysis of studies investigating βIII-tubulin expression regulation.
  • Synthesis of data on mechanisms of resistance and aggressiveness.
  • Overview of emerging therapeutic strategies targeting βIII-tubulin.

Main Results:

  • βIII-tubulin overexpression is a significant prognostic marker across multiple cancer types.
  • Factors influencing βIII-tubulin expression include genetic and epigenetic mechanisms.
  • βIII-tubulin contributes to resistance against microtubule-targeting agents.
  • Elevated βIII-tubulin levels are associated with increased tumor cell motility and invasiveness.

Conclusions:

  • βIII-tubulin is a critical factor in cancer progression and treatment failure.
  • Targeting βIII-tubulin presents a promising therapeutic avenue for overcoming resistance.
  • Further research into βIII-tubulin regulation and function will refine cancer treatment approaches.
Keywords:
Class III β-tubulinColchicineDrug resistanceMicrotubule-targeting agentsPaclitaxelTumor aggressivenessVinca alkaloids

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