Stathmin: a relay phosphoprotein for multiple signal transduction?

Stathmin is a ubiquitous, phylogenetically conserved protein present in the cytoplasm of cells in a variety of unphosphorylated and phosphorylated forms. Its expression and phosphorylation are regulated throughout development and in response to extracellular signals regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and functions. The overall pattern of its molecular forms reflects the activation of corresponding second messenger pathways. This phosphoprotein is therefore a good candidate as a general relay in signal transduction, possibly integrating diverse signals of the cell's environment.