βIII-tubulin overexpression in cancer: Causes, consequences, and potential therapies

Class III beta-tubulin (beta III-tubulin) is frequently overexpressed in human tumors and is associated with resistance to microtubule-targeting agents, tumor aggressiveness, and poor patient outcome. Understanding the mechanisms regulating beta III-tubulin expression and the varied functions beta III-tubulin may have in different cancers is vital to assess the prognostic value of this protein and to develop strategies to enhance therapeutic benefits in beta III-tubulin overexpressing tumors. Here we gather all the available evidence regarding the clinical implications of beta III-tubulin overexpression in cancer, describe factors that regulate beta III-tubulin expression, and discuss current understanding of the mechanisms underlying beta III-tubulin-mediated resistance to microtubule-targeting agents and tumor aggressiveness. Finally, we provide an overview of emerging therapeutic strategies to target tumors that overexpress beta III-tubulin.

Automated summary

Understanding the regulation of beta III-tubulin expression and its functions in different cancers is crucial for assessing its prognostic value and developing therapeutic strategies. Targeting tumors overexpressing beta III-tubulin with emerging therapeutic strategies is a key focus of current research.