Septins: new microtubule interacting partners.

Originally characterized as regulators of cytokinesis, septins were later implicated in other cellular processes. Recent studies show that septins have a broader role in microtubule-dependent processes, such as karyokinesis, exocytosis, and maintenance of cell shape. Many members of the septin family have been shown to colocalize or interact with the microtubule cytoskeleton, suggesting that these might be general properties of septins. Septins could play an important role in regulating microtubule dynamics by interacting with microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) that modulate microtubule stability. Being able to associate with both microtubules and actin, septins can play an important role as adaptors between the two cytoskeletons and as regulators of processes in which both actin and microtubules are involved. As septins are associated with various neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, a better understanding of the biology of septins and their interactions with microtubules is important in order to develop possible therapeutic strategies for these diseases.