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Septins

Septins

Septins are protein filaments forming the cytoskeleton along with the microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and other accessory proteins. In 1971 while studying the cell division cycle in mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae Harwell et al. first identified the septin-related genes playing a crucial role in yeast cytokinesis. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that these proteins localize at the budding neck as rings. These ring-like proteins were then named Septins by John Pringle, and...

Role of Septins

Role of Septins

Septins are the recently discovered fourth major protein component of the cytoskeleton, along with microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. These proteins can associate with other cytoskeletal filaments and carry out varied roles or can be free-floating in the cytoplasm.
Cellular Functions of Septins
Recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of septins in various cellular processes such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, and neurogenesis. Septins act as scaffolds and...

Cytoskeletal Proteins in Bacteria

Cytoskeletal Proteins in Bacteria

Bacterial cells were initially considered simple, randomly organized structures lacking a cytoskeleton. However, the discovery of cytoskeleton homologs in bacteria led to the change of this opinion. Bacterial cytoskeletal filaments regulate the cell shape, cell polarity, cell division, and partitioning of plasmids during cell division. It was later discovered that bacterial cytoskeletal proteins, mainly actin and tubulin homologs, are diverse compared to their eukaryotic counterparts. On the...

Studying the Cytoskeleton

Studying the Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...

Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility

Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility

Actin is a family of globular proteins that are highly abundant in eukaryotic cells. It makes up approximately 1-5% of total cell protein concentration. Actin monomers polymerize to form a complex network of polarized filaments, the actin cytoskeleton, that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including cell motility, division, endocytosis, and metastasis of cancer cells.
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.

Cytoskeletal Accessory Proteins

Cytoskeletal Accessory Proteins

The cytoskeleton is an essential cell component that plays several structural and functional roles. However, the filaments that make up the cytoskeleton cannot function independently and depend on the accessory or ancillary proteins to effectively carry out their function. Accessory proteins associate with cytoskeletal filaments and their monomers, aiding filament formation and function. They also help in the cross-communication among cytoskeletal filaments. Cytoskeletal accessory proteins are...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Purification and Quality Control of Recombinant Septin Complexes for Cell-Free Reconstitution

Purification and Quality Control of Recombinant Septin Complexes for Cell-Free Reconstitution

Published on: June 23, 2022

[Research progresses on septin family].

Wen-Bo Yu¹, Song-Min Jiang, Long Yu

¹State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China. wenboyu@fudan.edu.cn

Yi Chuan = Hereditas

|September 10, 2008

Summary

Septins are essential eukaryotic proteins involved in cell division and dynamics. Research highlights their diverse roles and involvement in diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Pathology

Background:

Septins are a conserved protein family found in most eukaryotes, excluding plants.
Initially identified for their role in yeast cytokinesis, septin functions are now known to be diverse across organisms.
The number of identified mammalian septin members has grown, revealing roles in polarity, vesicle trafficking, and membrane dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the classification, structure, and biological functions of septins.
To summarize the current understanding of septin involvement in human diseases.
To highlight septin research as a key area in cell biology and pathology.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing research on septins.
Analysis of data on septin classification and structural characteristics.

More Related Videos

Bottom-Up In Vitro Methods to Assay the Ultrastructural Organization, Membrane Reshaping, and Curvature Sensitivity Behavior of Septins

Bottom-Up In Vitro Methods to Assay the Ultrastructural Organization, Membrane Reshaping, and Curvature Sensitivity Behavior of Septins

Published on: August 17, 2022

Reconstitution of Septin Assembly at Membranes to Study Biophysical Properties and Functions

Reconstitution of Septin Assembly at Membranes to Study Biophysical Properties and Functions

Published on: July 28, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Purification and Quality Control of Recombinant Septin Complexes for Cell-Free Reconstitution

Purification and Quality Control of Recombinant Septin Complexes for Cell-Free Reconstitution

Published on: June 23, 2022

Bottom-Up In Vitro Methods to Assay the Ultrastructural Organization, Membrane Reshaping, and Curvature Sensitivity Behavior of Septins

Bottom-Up In Vitro Methods to Assay the Ultrastructural Organization, Membrane Reshaping, and Curvature Sensitivity Behavior of Septins

Published on: August 17, 2022

Reconstitution of Septin Assembly at Membranes to Study Biophysical Properties and Functions

Reconstitution of Septin Assembly at Membranes to Study Biophysical Properties and Functions

Published on: July 28, 2022

Synthesis of findings on septin biological functions and disease associations.

Main Results:

Septins exhibit diverse cellular roles including cytokinesis, polarity determination, vesicle trafficking, and membrane dynamics.
Emerging evidence links septin family members to the pathogenesis of neoplasia, neurodegeneration, and infections.
Septin research is pivotal in understanding fundamental cell biology and disease mechanisms.

Conclusions:

Septins are crucial proteins with multifaceted cellular functions.
Dysregulation of septin family members is implicated in various human diseases.
Further research into septins holds significant potential for both basic science and clinical applications.