Stathmin is a highly conserved 17 kDa protein that is crucial for the regulation of the cell cytoskeleton.

Stathmin performs an important function in regulating rapid microtubule remodeling of the cytoskeleton in response to the cell's needs.

The changes in cytoskeleton are known as microtubule dynamics; the addition of the tubulin subunits lead to polymerisation and their loss, depolymerisation.

[5] Stathmin regulates these by promoting depolymerization of microtubules or preventing polymerization of tubulin heterodimers.

Stathmin is a ubiquitous phosphorylated protein which makes it act as an intracellular relay for diverse regulatory pathways,[10] functioning through a variety of second messengers.

Without microtubule growth and assembly, the mitotic spindle cannot form, and the cell cycle is arrested.

Stathmin−/− females do not assess threats well, leading to lack of innate parental care and adult social interactions.

They lack motivation for retrieving pups and are unable to choose a safe location for nest-building.