Function
Stathmin-4 (STM-4) or stathmin-like protein B3 regulates microtubules dynamics. Microtubules undergo continuous assembly and disassembly in the cell’s cytoskeleton. STM-4 binds to tubulin and prevents the latter from polymerization thus preventing microtubule assembly. Phosphorylation of STM-4 weakens the binding of STM-4 to tubulin enabling the microtubule assembly needed for the formation of mitotic spindle. Thus, STM-4 is an oncoprotein. STM-4 contains an SLD (Stathmin-Like Domain) domain of 149 residues which binds the tubulin dimer[1].
Disease
Decreased levels of STM-4 are found in brains of adults with Down syndrome and Alzheimer disease[2].
3D Structures of stathmin-4
Stathmin-4 3D structures
