新型细胞骨架分隔丝的结构和功能研究进展

细胞骨架是细胞内的蛋白纤维网状结构,包括人们熟知的微管、微丝和中间纤维.目前研究表明分隔丝(septin filaments)是一类在真核生物中广泛分布的蛋白纤维,逐渐被认为是一种新型细胞骨架结构.分隔丝由可结合GTP的分隔丝蛋白单体(Septin)聚合形成异源复合体,进一步组装成纤维丝.分隔丝可形成纤维束,环状或笼状等结构,并与细胞膜或其他细胞骨架成分发生相互作用.在细胞内,分隔丝参与胞质分裂、细胞迁移、神经元发育和免疫等重要生理及病理过程.分隔丝结构或功能的异常与多种人类疾病如肿瘤等密切相关.本文将从分隔丝的结构、组装调控、功能及与人类疾病的关系等方面综述近年的研究进展.

Structure and Function of a Novel Cytoskeletal Component Septin Filaments

Cytoskeleton consists of microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments and regulates multiple cellular events such as cell division and motility. Septin filaments have been considered as a novel type of cytoskeleton component as septin monomers are GTP-binding proteins that assemble into hetero-oligomeric complexes and filaments. Septin filaments widely distribute in eukaryotic cells and form highly ordered structures such as bundles, rings and cages. Septin filaments interact with other cytoskeletal components and cell membrane and play essential roles in cytokinesis, cell migration, neural development, immune response and other physiological processes. Emerging evidence indicates that the abnormality of septin filaments is associated with various human diseases including cancers. Here, we summarize the recent progress in understanding septin structure, organization and function and discuss its relationship with diseases.