Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Curr Biol. 2021 May 24;31(10):R651-R666. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.03.064.
Septins are an integral component of the cytoskeleton, assembling into higher-order oligomers and filamentous polymers that associate with actin filaments, microtubules and membranes. Here, we review septin interactions with actin and microtubules, and septin-mediated regulation of the organization and dynamics of these cytoskeletal networks, which is critical for cellular morphogenesis. We discuss how actomyosin-associated septins function in cytokinesis, cell migration and host defense against pathogens. We highlight newly emerged roles of septins at the interface of microtubules and membranes with molecular motors, which point to a 'septin code' for the regulation of membrane traffic. Additionally, we revisit the functions of microtubule-associated septins in mitosis and meiosis. In sum, septins comprise a unique module of cytoskeletal regulators that are spatially and functionally specialized and have properties of bona fide actin-binding and microtubule-associated proteins. With many questions still outstanding, the study of septins will continue to provide new insights into fundamental problems of cytoskeletal organization and function.
septins 是细胞骨架的一个组成部分，它们组装成高级别寡聚物和丝状聚合物，与肌动蛋白丝、微管和膜结合。在这里，我们回顾了 septin 与肌动蛋白和微管的相互作用，以及 septin 介导线粒体组织和动力学的调节，这对细胞形态发生至关重要。我们讨论了肌球蛋白相关 septin 在胞质分裂、细胞迁移和宿主防御病原体中的作用。我们强调了 septin 在微管和膜与分子马达界面的新作用，这表明了对膜运输的“septin 密码”的调控。此外，我们重新审视了微管相关 septin 在有丝分裂和减数分裂中的作用。总之，septin 构成了细胞骨架调节剂的一个独特模块，具有空间和功能上的特异性，并具有真正的肌动蛋白结合和微管结合蛋白的特性。由于仍有许多悬而未决的问题，septin 的研究将继续为细胞骨架组织和功能的基本问题提供新的见解。
