Quick Guide: γ-Tubulin

What is it? γ-Tubulin is a member of the tubulin superfamily and is required for nucleating the polymerization of microtubules in vivo. Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal polymers that assemble from two other members of the tubulin superfamily, α-tubulin and βtubulin. Microtubules make up the mitotic and meiotic spindles, and are important for establishing cell polarity and vesicle trafficking. The tubulin superfamily is still growing, and now includes tubulins δ through η (delta through eta, in case you’ve forgotten your Greek). α-, βand γ-tubulin are conserved in all eukaryotic groups, whereas the other superfamily members are not.