Involved in the regulation of the microtubule (MT) filament system by destabilizing microtubules. Prevents assembly and promotes disassembly of microtubules. Phosphorylation at Ser-16 may be required for axon formation during neurogenesis (By similarity). Involved in the control of the learned and innate fear. Binds to two alpha/beta-tubulin heterodimers. Interacts with KIST. Highly expressed in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala. Many different phosphorylated forms are observed depending on specific combinations among the sites which can be phosphorylated. MAPK is responsible for the phosphorylation of stathmin in response to NGF (Probable). Phosphorylation at Ser-16 seems to be required for neuron polarization (By similarity). Mice show deficits in spike-timing-dependent long-term potentiation, exhibit decreased memory in amygdala-dependent fear conditioning and fail to recognize danger in innately aversive environments. Belongs to the stathmin family.