I want to thank all who contributed to this first edition for their hard work and professionalism, and especially for their patience. I hope the readers will find this volume as helpful as I have found it. There is no doubt that the family of proteins we call the tubulins and the microtubules that they form when they aggregate are extremely important in the cell and, as we are increasingly learning, important in diseases that afflict so many. This field of investi- tion is a testament to how important both basic and clinical sciences are in understanding disease mechanisms and making inroads into therapies. Without the basic science knowledge that has been accumulated, to which the authors of this work have contributed greatly, we would not be in the position we find ourselves of increasingly understanding disease and advancing therapies. As I read the chapters, I was humbled to think of the insights that so many have contributed to this field, and again became aware of how the collaborative effort of so many is needed to understand the complexities of nature. By working together, many have helped to advance this field. Because of their efforts, we find ourselves with the wealth of knowledge contained in this book. This knowledge gives us so much insight even as it challenges us to continue working. Thanks again to all of the wonderful collaborators for their excellence and their patience. Tito Fojo, MD, PhD vii CONTENTS Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii Contributors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .