The state of the septin cytoskeleton from assembly to function

Septins are conserved guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that polymerize into filaments at the cell cortex or in association with other cytoskeletal proteins, such as actin or microtubules. As integral players in many morphogenic and signaling events, septins form scaffolds important for the recruitment of the cytokinetic machinery, organization of the plasma membrane, and orientation of cell polarity. Mutations in septins or their misregulation are associated with numerous diseases. Despite growing appreciation for the importance of septins in different aspects of cell biology and disease, septins remain relatively poorly understood compared with other cytoskeletal proteins. Here in this review, we highlight some of the recent developments of the last two years in the field of septin cell biology.

Automated summary

Septins are conserved guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that play important roles in cell morphogenesis and signaling events. They form scaffolds crucial for cytokinetic machinery recruitment, plasma membrane organization, and cell polarity orientation. Despite being relatively poorly understood compared to other cytoskeletal proteins, recent developments in septin cell biology have highlighted their significance in various aspects of cellular processes and diseases.