Participation of Septin Cytoskeletal Proteins in the Nervous System Functioning

Abstract

Septins, the cytoskeletal proteins discovered in the 1970s in budding yeast cells, are currently detected in most postmitotic cells of animals and humans. In the last decade, significant progress has been made in understanding the biochemical properties of septins and their biological functions. An increasing number of studies show that these proteins play an important role in the development and physiology of specific tissues and organs. The review surveys classification, major functions and localization of septins in the nervous system of mammals and humans. Models describing the mechanisms of the septin involvement in the neurotransmitter secretion from nerve endings and the role of septins in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases are discussed.