A ubiquitous beta-tubulin disrupts microtubule assembly and inhibits cell proliferation.

ABSTRACT: Vertebrate tubulin is encoded by a multigene family that produces distinct gene products, or isotypes, of both the alpha- and beta-tubulin subunits. The isotype sequences are conserved across species supporting the hypothesis that different isotypes subserve different functions. To date, however, most studies have demonstrated that tubulin isotypes are freely interchangeable and coassemble into all classes of microtubules. We now report that, in contrast to other isotypes, overexpression of a mouse class V beta-tubulin cDNA in mammalian cells produces a strong, dose-dependent disruption of microtubule organization, increased microtubule fragmentation, and a concomitant reduction in cellular microtubule polymer levels. These changes also disrupt mitotic spindle assembly and block cell proli

SUBMITTER: Bhattacharya R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC452570 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature