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Updated: May 31, 2026
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.
Abstract:
Septins are a family of cytoskeleton related proteins consisting of 14 members that associate and interact with actin and tubulin. From yeast to humans, septins maintain a conserved role in cytokinesis and they are also involved in a variety of other cellular functions including chromosome segregation, DNA repair, migration and apoptosis. Tumorigenesis entails major alterations in these processes. A substantial body of literature reveals that septins are overexpressed, downregulated or generate chimeric proteins with MLL in a plethora of solid tumors and in hematological malignancies. Thus, members of this gene family are emerging as key players in tumorigenesis. The analysis of septins during cancer initiation and progression is challenged by the presence of many family members and by their potential to produce numerous isoforms. However, the development and application of advanced technologies is allowing for a more detailed analysis of septins during tumorigenesis. Specifically, such applications have led to the establishment and validation of SEPT9 as a biomarker for the early detection of colorectal cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of septins in tumorigenesis, emphasizing their significance and supporting their use as potential biomarkers in various cancer types.
Insights
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:
- 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.
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