Mammalian septins nomenclature

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Mammalian septins comprise 10 known genes, with some generating multiple splice variants.
• Current nomenclature is inconsistent, leading to confusion with duplicate names and non-homologous gene naming.
• Existing names often derive from yeast or Drosophila septins, not the closest mammalian homologues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a unified and standardized nomenclature system for mammalian septin genes and their splice variants.
• To address the existing confusion in the field caused by inconsistent naming conventions.
• To facilitate clearer communication and research within the mammalian septin community.

Main Methods:

• Review of current mammalian septin gene and protein names.
• Analysis of homology relationships between mammalian, yeast, and Drosophila septins.
• Proposal of a new nomenclature system based on established genomic naming conventions.

Main Results:

• Identified significant confusion and inconsistency in the current mammalian septin nomenclature.
• Proposed a new system: human genes named SEPT1-SEPT10, mouse genes Sept1-Sept10.
• Introduced a clear designation for splice variants, e.g., SEPT4_v1.

Conclusions:

• A standardized nomenclature is crucial for the mammalian septin field.
• The proposed system, aligned with Mouse Genomic Nomenclature Committee and Human Genome Organization Gene Nomenclature Committee standards, will enhance clarity.
• Adoption of this nomenclature will improve research reproducibility and communication regarding mammalian septins.