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Emerging Roles of Tubulin Isoforms and Their Post-Translational Modifications in Microtubule-Based Transport and
Aishwarya R Nair1, Nived Saroj1, Ambarish Kunwar1
1Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
Biomolecules
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Microtubules, built from tubulin, have diverse forms called isotypes and isoforms. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) on tubulin regulate microtubule functions, impacting cellular transport and homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal polymers composed of tubulin.
- Tubulin exists as various isotypes and isoforms, differing in sequence and expression.
- Post-translational modifications (PTMs) on tubulin regulate microtubule properties and interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review tubulin post-translational modifications (PTMs).
- To explore how tubulin isotype diversity and PTMs modulate microtubule behavior.
- To highlight the impact on intracellular transport and cellular functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of tubulin PTMs.
- Analysis of tubulin isotype diversity.
- Examination of PTM-driven regulation of microtubule dynamics.
Main Results:
- Tubulin PTMs include acetylation, methylation, glutamylation, and others.
- Isotype composition and PTMs generate distinct tubulin isoforms.
- These variations influence microtubule biophysical characteristics and interactions.
Conclusions:
- Tubulin diversity (isotypes and isoforms) and PTMs are crucial for regulating microtubule functions.
- This regulation impacts cellular transport, mechanosensitivity, and cytoskeleton organization.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to comprehending cellular homeostasis.
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