Tubulin Folding Cofactor C (TBCC)

Microtubules are essential and ubiquitous elements of the cytoskeleton. Their filamentous arrays contribute to an impressive diversity of biologic functions that include cell division, intracellular transport, and the maintenance of cellular architecture.

Cofactor C is one of four proteins (cofactors A, D, E, and C) involved in the pathway leading to correctly folded beta-tubulin from folding intermediates. Cofactors A and D are believed to play a role in capturing and stabilizing beta-tubulin intermediates in a quasi-native confirmation. Cofactor E binds to the cofactor D/beta-tubulin complex; interaction with cofactor C then causes the release of beta-tubulin polypeptides that are committed to the native state.