TUBA1A, encoding tubulin alpha 1a, is crucial for microtubule assembly in neurons. Microtubules, made of α/β-tubulin dimers, drive neurite outgrowth, neuronal growth cone responses, and intracellular transport during neurodevelopment [3]. It is also involved in cell division and motility as microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal structures [5].

In a Tuba1a loss-of-function mouse model (Tuba1aND/+), α-tubulin levels were about half of wild type in juvenile brains. Reduced TUBA1A led to less microtubule assembly in axons, causing more pausing during organelle trafficking in P0 cultured neurons. These mice developed adult-onset ataxia, indicating the importance of TUBA1A-rich microtubule tracks for mature neuron function and synapse maintenance [2]. In another study with a Tuba1a loss-of-function mutation (TUBA1A N102D), reduced TUBA1A protein levels affected axon extension and impaired formation of forebrain commissures, though neuronal migration and cortex development were mostly normal [3].

In conclusion, TUBA1A is essential for microtubule-related functions in neurons during development and in maintaining mature neuron function. Studies using gene-knockout (KO) mouse models have revealed its role in processes like axon extension, organelle trafficking, and commissure formation. Mutations in TUBA1A are associated with various neurological disorders such as tubulinopathies, lissencephaly, and spastic paraplegia with ataxia [1,3,4,5].