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Post-translational modifications of tubulin: their role in cancers and the regulation of signaling molecules

Cancer Gene Therapy volume 30, pages 521–528 (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

Microtubules play an important role in regulating several vital cellular activities, including cell division and tissue organization, through their dynamic protofilament network. In addition to forming the cytoskeleton, microtubules regulate the intracellular trafficking of cytoplasmic components and various signaling molecules, depending on the presence of post-transitional modifications (PTMs) and binding proteins. Accumulating evidence indicates the significant role of microtubule PTMs on cancer behavior. The PTMs that frequently occur on microtubules include acetylation, detyrosination, tyrosination, polyglutamylation, and polyglycylation. Alterations in these PTMs cause global effects on intracellular signal transduction, strongly linked to cancer pathogenesis. This review provides an update on the role of microtubule PTMs in cancer aggressiveness, particularly regarding cell death, sensitivity to chemotherapy, cell migration, and invasion. Additionally, it provides a mechanistic explanation of the molecular signaling pathways involved. This information might prove useful for predictive or therapeutic purposes.

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Fig. 1: Microtubule polymerization and depolymerization process driven by GTP hydrolysis.
Fig. 2: Several types of PTMs on microtubules.

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT; N41A640133 to VP) and the Second Century Fund (C2F to OW), Chulalongkorn University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Preclinical Toxicity and Efficacy Assessment of Medicines and Chemicals Research Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Onsurang Wattanathamsan & Varisa Pongrakhananon

  2. Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Onsurang Wattanathamsan & Varisa Pongrakhananon

Authors
  1. Onsurang Wattanathamsan
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  2. Varisa Pongrakhananon
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All authors researched data, performed an extensive literature survey, and provided substantial contribution to the content of this article equally. All authors reviewed, edited, and approved the manuscript before submission.

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Correspondence to Varisa Pongrakhananon.

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Wattanathamsan, O., Pongrakhananon, V. Post-translational modifications of tubulin: their role in cancers and the regulation of signaling molecules. Cancer Gene Ther 30, 521–528 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41417-021-00396-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41417-021-00396-4

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