Post-translational modifications regulate microtubule function

The alphabeta-tubulin heterodimer, the building block of microtubules, is subject to a large number of post-translational modifications, comparable in diversity to the intensively studied histone modifications. Although these unusual modifications are conserved throughout evolution, their functions have remained almost completely elusive. Recently, however, important advances in the understanding of how tubulin modifications regulate function and organization have been made.