Beta III Tubulin (TUBB3) is one of six β-tubulin isoforms and is expressed highly during fetal and postnatal development (axon guidance and maturation). Its expression levels decrease in the adult central nervous system (CNS) but remain high in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Microtubules enriched in β3-tubulin are more dynamic than those composed of other β-tubulin isoforms. Research studies have shown that mutations in the β3-tubulin gene TUBB3 cause ocular motility defects and other nervous system disorders. Furthermore, β3-tubulin is present in neoplastic but not in normal differentiated glial cells. Thus, β3-tubulin is a great neuronal marker.
