tubulin alpha 1a
Last updated 18 Aug 2020
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The TUBA1A gene provides instructions for making a protein called alpha-tubulin (α-tubulin). This protein is part of the tubulin family of proteins that form and organize structures called microtubules. Microtubules are rigid, hollow fibers that make up the cell's structural framework (the cytoskeleton). They are composed of α-tubulin and a similar protein called beta-tubulin (β-tubulin) that is produced from a different gene. Microtubules are necessary for cell division and movement.
Normal function
The TUBA1A gene provides instructions for making a protein called alpha-tubulin (α-tubulin). This protein is part of the tubulin family of proteins that form and organize structures called microtubules. Microtubules are rigid, hollow fibers that make up the cell's structural framework (the cytoskeleton). They are composed of α-tubulin and a similar protein called beta-tubulin (β-tubulin) that is produced from a different gene. Microtubules are necessary for cell division and movement.
Most cells produce α-tubulin, but the protein is found in highest amounts in the developing brain. During brain development, α-tubulin partners with β-tubulin to form microtubules that move nerve cells (neurons) to their proper location (neuronal migration). Microtubules form scaffolding within the cell. The tubulin proteins that make up the microtubule are moved from one end of a microtubule to the other end. This protein transfer propels the microtubules in a specific direction, moving the cell.
Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome
Other names
B-ALPHA-1
TBA1A_HUMAN
TUBA3
tubulin alpha-1A chain
tubulin alpha-3 chain
tubulin B-alpha-1
tubulin, alpha 1a
tubulin, alpha, brain-specific
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Further reading and references
- tubulin alpha 1a; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- Bahi-Buisson N, Poirier K, Boddaert N, Saillour Y, Castelnau L, Philip N, Buyse G, Villard L, Joriot S, Marret S, Bourgeois M, Van Esch H, Lagae L, Amiel J, Hertz-Pannier L, Roubertie A, Rivier F, Pinard JM, Beldjord C, Chelly J. Refinement of cortical dysgeneses spectrum associated with TUBA1A mutations. J Med Genet. 2008 Oct;45(10):647-53. doi: 10.1136/jmg.2008.058073. Epub 2008 Aug 26.
- Jansen AC, Oostra A, Desprechins B, De Vlaeminck Y, Verhelst H, Regal L, Verloo P, Bockaert N, Keymolen K, Seneca S, De Meirleir L, Lissens W. TUBA1A mutations: from isolated lissencephaly to familial polymicrogyria. Neurology. 2011 Mar 15;76(11):988-92. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e31821043f5.
- Kumar RA, Pilz DT, Babatz TD, Cushion TD, Harvey K, Topf M, Yates L, Robb S, Uyanik G, Mancini GM, Rees MI, Harvey RJ, Dobyns WB. TUBA1A mutations cause wide spectrum lissencephaly (smooth brain) and suggest that multiple neuronal migration pathways converge on alpha tubulins. Hum Mol Genet. 2010 Jul 15;19(14):2817-27. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddq182. Epub 2010 May 12.
- Tian G, Jaglin XH, Keays DA, Francis F, Chelly J, Cowan NJ. Disease-associated mutations in TUBA1A result in a spectrum of defects in the tubulin folding and heterodimer assembly pathway. Hum Mol Genet. 2010 Sep 15;19(18):3599-613. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddq276. Epub 2010 Jul 5.
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