Abstract
The human septins are part of a gene family, that is a group of genes with similar sequences and usually but not invariably share similar functions that are descended from a common ancestor. Here we review our current knowledge of the human septin gene family and highlight areas of uncertainty. Currently 13 human septin genes are known (SEPT1 to SEPT12 and SEPT14). What was known as SEPT13 is now defined as one of many SEPT7 related pseudogenes. The family is characterized by complex genomics and extensive (but not universal) splicing, giving rise to a plethora of septin isoforms. For only a few members of the family do we have a comprehensive insight into these transcripts and isoforms. Given the formation of countless septin homotypic and heterotypic interactions our understanding of the biology and pathobiology of the septin family will require a detailed understanding of the genomics, transcriptomics and regulation of all members of this diverse and complex family.
©2011 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Editorial
- Highlight on septins
- HIGHLIGHT: EMBO WORKSHOP ‘SEPTINS’
- New insights into the phylogenetic distribution and evolutionary origins of the septins
- Dynamics of septin ring and collar formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Genetic interactions with mutations affecting septin assembly reveal ESCRT functions in budding yeast cytokinesis
- MLL-SEPTIN gene fusions in hematological malignancies
- Septin roles in tumorigenesis
- Characterization of presynaptic septin complexes in mammalian hippocampal neurons
- Characterization of human septin interactions
- Septin genomics: a road less travelled
- Septin9 is involved in septin filament formation and cellular stability
- Lethal phenotype of mice carrying a Sept11 null mutation
- ARTS, the unusual septin: structural and functional aspects
- Structural and biochemical properties of Sept7, a unique septin required for filament formation
- Septins at the annulus of mammalian sperm
- The mother-bud neck as a signaling platform for the coordination between spindle position and cytokinesis in budding yeast
- Evidence that a septin diffusion barrier is dispensable for cytokinesis in budding yeast
- Septins as key regulators of actin based processes in bacterial infection
Articles in the same Issue
- Editorial
- Highlight on septins
- HIGHLIGHT: EMBO WORKSHOP ‘SEPTINS’
- New insights into the phylogenetic distribution and evolutionary origins of the septins
- Dynamics of septin ring and collar formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Genetic interactions with mutations affecting septin assembly reveal ESCRT functions in budding yeast cytokinesis
- MLL-SEPTIN gene fusions in hematological malignancies
- Septin roles in tumorigenesis
- Characterization of presynaptic septin complexes in mammalian hippocampal neurons
- Characterization of human septin interactions
- Septin genomics: a road less travelled
- Septin9 is involved in septin filament formation and cellular stability
- Lethal phenotype of mice carrying a Sept11 null mutation
- ARTS, the unusual septin: structural and functional aspects
- Structural and biochemical properties of Sept7, a unique septin required for filament formation
- Septins at the annulus of mammalian sperm
- The mother-bud neck as a signaling platform for the coordination between spindle position and cytokinesis in budding yeast
- Evidence that a septin diffusion barrier is dispensable for cytokinesis in budding yeast
- Septins as key regulators of actin based processes in bacterial infection