Dear Colleagues,

Microtubules are highly dynamic key components of the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells, composed of alpha- and beta-tubulin heterodimers. Microtubule dynamics are tightly regulated by various microtubule-associated proteins, kinases, and phosphatases.

Microtubule dynamic instability—together with the “tubulin code,” generated by the choice of different alpha- and beta tubulin isoforms and tubulin post-translational modifications—plays an essential role in controlling a variety of cellular processes, such as cell shape; mitosis and faithful chromosome segregation; cell motility; intracellular trafficking; cell migration; and ciliogenesis.

Moreover, microtubules with different morphology and degrees of stability are able to adapt to specific functions within the cell context. It is therefore not surprising that microtubule dysfunctions can be the cause of or can contribute to different diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding how the microtubule cytoskeleton is formed and regulated in healthy and malignant cells will help us improve treatment strategies for cancer and other diseases linked to microtubule dysfunctions.

With this Research Topic, we aim to provide an overview of what is known about microtubule relationships, tubulin post-translational modifications, the role of microtubule heterogeneity, and microtubule dynamic instability in various disorders, all by way of highlighting novel therapies.

The editor welcomes manuscripts focusing on the various roles of microtubule dynamics or tubulin code regulation in healthy and malignant cells and their potential as a diagnostic or therapeutic target.

Dr. Daniela Trisciuoglio
Guest Editor