Septins: Structural Insights, Functional Dynamics, and Implications in Health and Disease

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Septins are protein complexes forming filaments essential for cellular structure and function.
• They play key roles in cell division, membrane dynamics, and intracellular organization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structure, function, and physiological roles of human septins.
• To explore the implications of septin dysfunction in various pathophysiological conditions.
• To highlight septins as potential therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of septin research.
• Analysis of structural and functional data.
• Examination of clinical and disease-associated studies.

Main Results:

• Septins assemble into hetero-oligomeric filaments acting as scaffolds.
• They are vital for cytokinesis, cell motility, membrane trafficking, and organelle organization.
• Septin gene mutations are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases.

Conclusions:

• Septins are fundamental to cellular processes and signaling networks.
• Septin dysfunction contributes to significant human diseases.
• Targeting septins offers promising therapeutic strategies for diverse pathologies.