Beta3-Tubulin Is Critical for Microtubule Dynamics, Cell Cycle Regulation, and Spontaneous Release of Microvesicles in Human Malignant Melanoma Cells (A375)

Microtubules (MTs), microfilaments, and intermediate filaments, the main constituents of the cytoskeleton, undergo continuous structural changes (metamorphosis), which are central to cellular growth, division, and release of microvesicles (MVs). Altered MTs dynamics, uncontrolled proliferation, and increased production of MVs are hallmarks of carcinogenesis. Class III beta-tubulin (beta 3-tubulin), one of seven beta-tubulin isotypes, is a primary component of MT, which correlates with enhanced neoplastic cell survival, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. We studied the effects of beta 3-tubulin gene silencing on MTs dynamics, cell cycle, and MVs release in human malignant melanoma cells (A375). The knockdown of beta 3-tubulin induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, impaired MTs dynamics, and reduced spontaneous MVs release. Additional studies are therefore required to elucidate the pathophysiologic and therapeutic role of beta 3-tubulin in melanoma.