The Mammalian Family of Katanin Microtubule-Severing Enzymes

The katanin family of microtubule-severing enzymes is critical for cytoskeletal rearrangements that affect key cellular processes like division, migration, signaling, and homeostasis. In humans, aberrant expression, or dysfunction of the katanins, is linked to developmental, proliferative, and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review current knowledge on the mammalian family of katanins, including an overview of evolutionary conservation, functional domain organization, and the mechanisms that regulate katanin activity. We assess the function of katanins in dividing and non-dividing cells and how their dysregulation promotes impaired ciliary signaling and defects in developmental programs (corticogenesis, gametogenesis, and neurodevelopment) and contributes to neurodegeneration and cancer. We conclude with perspectives on future katanin research that will advance our understanding of this exciting and dynamic class of disease-associated enzymes.

Automated summary

The katanin family of microtubule-severing enzymes plays a critical role in cytoskeletal rearrangements that impact various cellular processes. Dysregulation of katanins is associated with developmental, proliferative, and neurodegenerative disorders in humans. This review provides insights into the evolutionary conservation, functional domain organization, and mechanisms regulating katanin activity, as well as the implications of katanin dysfunction on cellular processes and disease development. Future research on katanins is highlighted to enhance our understanding of these disease-associated enzymes.