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Related Concept Videos

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...

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...

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 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

Septin roles in tumorigenesis.

Diana Connolly¹, Ines Abdesselam, Pascal Verdier-Pinard

¹Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.

Biological Chemistry

|July 12, 2011

Summary

Septins, cytoskeleton proteins, play crucial roles in cell division and cancer. Research highlights their altered expression in tumors, supporting their potential as cancer biomarkers.

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Molecular Oncology
Biochemistry

Background:

Septins are conserved cytoskeleton proteins involved in fundamental cellular processes like cytokinesis, DNA repair, and cell migration.
Alterations in septin expression (overexpression, downregulation, or fusion proteins) are frequently observed in various solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
The complexity of the septin family, with multiple members and isoforms, poses challenges in studying their role in tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current understanding of septins' roles in cancer initiation and progression.
To emphasize the significance of septins as potential biomarkers for cancer detection and diagnosis.
To highlight how advanced technologies are enabling detailed analysis of septins in tumorigenesis.

Main Methods:

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

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

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Literature review of studies on septins in cancer.
Analysis of gene expression data and protein interactions related to septins in tumors.
Examination of technological advancements aiding septin research in oncology.

Main Results:

Septins are implicated in key cellular processes that are frequently dysregulated during tumorigenesis.
Aberrant septin expression patterns are observed across a wide spectrum of cancers.
SEPT9 has been validated as a biomarker for early colorectal cancer detection.

Conclusions:

Septins are emerging as critical players in tumorigenesis due to their involvement in fundamental cellular functions.
The potential of septins as biomarkers for various cancer types is supported by current evidence.
Continued research utilizing advanced technologies will further elucidate the role of septins in cancer.