Control of filamentous fungal cell shape by septins and formins

Studies in various model systems have identified two protein families that are crucial for shaping cell morphology: the septins and the formins. Both families are conserved in most eukaryotes, but the functions and regulation of individual homologues can vary depending on their precise cellular context. The rich array of cell geometries found in different filamentous fungal species provides a powerful experimental canvas for studying the evolution and regulation of septins and formins. Here, I assimilate what is known about the function of these protein families in filamentous fungi and propose that further studies in these organisms could answer some open mechanistic questions that pertain in general to eukaryotic cells.