Three-dimensional ultrastructure of the septin filament network in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Reciprocal regulation by Elm1 and Gin4 controls septin hourglass assembly and remodeling

The septin cytoskeleton is extensively regulated by posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation, to achieve the diversity of architectures including rings, hourglasses, and gauzes. While many of the phosphorylation events of septins have been extensively studied in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the regulation of the kinases involved remains poorly understood. Here, we show that two septin-associated kinases, the LKB1/PAR-4-related kinase Elm1 and the Nim1/PAR-1-related kinase Gin4, regulate each other at two discrete points of the cell cycle. During bud emergence, Gin4 targets Elm1 to the bud neck via direct binding and phosphorylation to control septin hourglass assembly and stability. During mitosis, Elm1 maintains Gin4 localization via direct binding and phosphorylation to enable timely remodeling of the septin hourglass into a double ring. This mutual control between Gin4 and Elm1 ensures that septin architecture is assembled and remodeled in a temporally controlled manner to perform distinct functions during the cell cycle.

Phosphorylation of the F-BAR protein Hof1 drives septin ring splitting in budding yeast

A double septin ring accompanies cytokinesis in yeasts and mammalian cells. In budding yeast, reorganisation of the septin collar at the bud neck into a dynamic double ring is essential for actomyosin ring constriction and cytokinesis. Septin reorganisation requires the Mitotic Exit Network (MEN), a kinase cascade essential for cytokinesis. However, the effectors of MEN in this process are unknown. Here we identify the F-BAR protein Hof1 as a critical target of MEN in septin remodelling. Phospho-mimicking HOF1 mutant alleles overcome the inability of MEN mutants to undergo septin reorganisation by decreasing Hof1 binding to septins and facilitating its translocation to the actomyosin ring. Hof1-mediated septin rearrangement requires its F-BAR domain, suggesting that it may involve a local membrane remodelling that leads to septin reorganisation. In vitro Hof1 can induce the formation of intertwined septin bundles, while a phosphomimetic Hof1 protein has impaired septin-bundling activity. Altogether, our data indicate that Hof1 modulates septin architecture in distinct ways depending on its phosphorylation status.

Septins modulate the autophagy response after nutrient starvation

The pathways that induce macroautophagy (referred to as autophagy hereafter) in response to the stress of starvation are well conserved and essential under nutrient-limiting conditions. However, less is understood about the mechanisms that modulate the autophagy response. Here we present evidence that after induction of autophagy in budding yeast septin filaments rapidly assemble into discrete patches distributed along the cell cortex. These patches gradually mature over 12 h of nutrient deprivation to form extended structures around Atg9 membranes tethered at the cortical endoplasmic reticulum, a class of membranes that are limiting for autophagosome biogenesis. Loss of cortical septin structures alters the kinetics of autophagy activation and most dramatically extends the duration of the autophagy response. In wild-type cells, diffusion of Atg9 membranes at the cell cortex undergoes transient pauses that are dependent on septins, and septins at the bud neck block the diffusion of Atg9 membranes between mother and daughter cells. We conclude that septins reorganize at the cell cortex during autophagy to locally limit access of Atg9 membranes to autophagosome assembly sites, and thus modulate the autophagy response during nutrient deprivation.

Septins throughout phylogeny are predicted to have a transmembrane domain, which in Caenorhabditis elegans is functionally important

Septins, a conserved family of filament-forming proteins, contribute to eukaryotic cell division, polarity, and membrane trafficking. Septins are thought to act in these processes by scaffolding other proteins to the plasma membrane. The mechanisms by which septins associate with the plasma membrane are not well understood but can involve two polybasic domains and/or an amphipathic helix. We discovered that the genomes of organisms throughout phylogeny, but not most commonly used model organisms, encode one or more septins predicted to have transmembrane domains. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which was thought to express only two septin proteins, UNC-59 and UNC-61, translates multiple isoforms of UNC-61, and one isoform, UNC-61a, is predicted to contain a transmembrane domain. UNC-61a localizes specifically to the apical membrane of the C. elegans vulva and is important for maintaining vulval morphology. UNC-61a partially compensates for the loss of the other two UNC-61 isoforms, UNC-61b and UNC-61c. The UNC-61a transmembrane domain is sufficient to localize a fluorophore to membranes in mammalian cells, and its deletion from UNC-61a recapitulates the phenotypes of unc-61a null animals. The localization and loss-of-function phenotypes of UNC-61a and its transmembrane domain suggest roles in cell polarity and secretion and help explain the cellular and tissue biological underpinnings of C. elegans septin null alleles' enigmatically hypomorphic phenotypes. Together, our findings reveal a novel mechanism of septin-membrane association with profound implications for the dynamics and regulation of this association.

Elucidating the Synergistic Role of Elm1 and Gin4 Kinases in Regulating Septin Hourglass Assembly

The septin cytoskeleton is extensively regulated by post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation to achieve the diversity of architectures including rings, hourglass, and gauzes. While many of the phosphorylation events of septins have been extensively studied in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the regulation of the kinases involved remains poorly understood. Here we show that two septin-associated kinases, the LKB1/PAR-4-related kinase Elm1 and the Nim1/PAR-1-related kinase Gin4, regulate each other at two discrete points of the cell cycle. During bud emergence, Gin4 targets Elm1 to the bud neck via direct binding and phosphorylation to control septin hourglass assembly and stability. During mitosis, Elm1 maintains Gin4 localization via direct binding and phosphorylation to enable timely remodeling of the septin hourglass into a double ring. This unique synergy ensures that septin architecture is assembled and remodeled in a temporally controlled manner to perform distinct functions during the cell cycle.

Reconstituted in vitro systems to reveal the roles and functions of septins

Septins are essential cytoskeletal proteins involved in key cellular processes and have also been implicated in diseases from cancers to neurodegenerative pathologies. However, they have not been as thoroughly studied as other cytoskeletal proteins. In vivo, septins interact with other cytoskeletal proteins and with the inner plasma membrane. Hence, bottom-up in vitro cell-free assays are well suited to dissect the roles and behavior of septins in a controlled environment. Specifically, in vitro studies have been invaluable in describing the self-assembly of septins into a large diversity of ultrastructures. Given that septins interact specifically with membrane, the details of these septin-membrane interactions have been analyzed using reconstituted lipid systems. In particular, at a membrane, septins are often localized at curvatures of micrometer scale. In that context, in vitro assays have been performed with substrates of varying curvatures (spheres, cylinders or undulated substrates) to probe the sensitivity of septins to membrane curvature. This Review will first present the structural properties of septins in solution and describe the interplay of septins with cytoskeletal partners. We will then discuss how septins interact with biomimetic membranes and induce their reshaping. Finally, we will highlight the curvature sensitivity of septins and how they alter the mechanical properties of membranes.

Nanoscale details of mitochondrial constriction revealed by cryoelectron tomography

Mitochondria adapt to changing cellular environments, stress stimuli, and metabolic demands through dramatic morphological remodeling of their shape, and thus function. Such mitochondrial dynamics is often dependent on cytoskeletal filament interactions. However, the precise organization of these filamentous assemblies remains speculative. Here, we apply cryogenic electron tomography to directly image the nanoscale architecture of the cytoskeletal-membrane interactions involved in mitochondrial dynamics in response to damage. We induced mitochondrial damage via membrane depolarization, a cellular stress associated with mitochondrial fragmentation and mitophagy. We find that, in response to acute membrane depolarization, mammalian mitochondria predominantly organize into tubular morphology that abundantly displays constrictions. We observe long bundles of both unbranched actin and septin filaments enriched at these constrictions. We also observed septin-microtubule interactions at these sites and elsewhere, suggesting that these two filaments guide each other in the cytosolic space. Together, our results provide empirical parameters for the architecture of mitochondrial constriction factors to validate/refine existing models and inform the development of new ones.

Human septins organize as octamer-based filaments and mediate actin-membrane anchoring in cells

Septins are cytoskeletal proteins conserved from algae and protists to mammals. A unique feature of septins is their presence as heteromeric complexes that polymerize into filaments in solution and on lipid membranes. Although animal septins associate extensively with actin-based structures in cells, whether septins organize as filaments in cells and if septin organization impacts septin function is not known. Customizing a tripartite split-GFP complementation assay, we show that all septins decorating actin stress fibers are octamer-containing filaments. Depleting octamers or preventing septins from polymerizing leads to a loss of stress fibers and reduced cell stiffness. Super-resolution microscopy revealed septin fibers with widths compatible with their organization as paired septin filaments. Nanometer-resolved distance measurements and single-protein tracking further showed that septin filaments are membrane bound and largely immobilized. Finally, reconstitution assays showed that septin filaments mediate actin-membrane anchoring. We propose that septin organization as octamer-based filaments is essential for septin function in anchoring and stabilizing actin filaments at the plasma membrane.

The Syp1/FCHo2 protein induces septin filament bundling through its intrinsically disordered domain

The septin collar of budding yeast is an ordered array of septin filaments that serves a scaffolding function for the cytokinetic machinery at the bud neck and compartmentalizes the membrane between mother and daughter cell. How septin architecture is aided by septin-binding proteins is largely unknown. Syp1 is an endocytic protein that was implicated in the timely recruitment of septins to the newly forming collar through an unknown mechanism. Using advanced microscopy and in vitro reconstitution assays, we show that Syp1 is able to align laterally and tightly pack septin filaments, thereby forming flat bundles or sheets. This property is shared by the Syp1 mammalian counterpart FCHo2, thus emphasizing conserved protein functions. Interestingly, the septin-bundling activity of Syp1 resides mainly in its intrinsically disordered region. Our data uncover the mechanism through which Syp1 promotes septin collar assembly and offer another example of functional diversity of unstructured protein domains.

Characterization of Bud3 domains sufficient for bud neck targeting in S. cerevisiae

The cytoskeleton serves a diverse set of functions in both multi- and unicellular organisms, including movement, transport, morphology, cell division and cell signalling. The septin family of cytoskeletal proteins are found within all fungi and metazoans and can generate three-dimensional scaffolds in vivo that promote membrane curvature, serve as physical barriers and coordinate cell cycle checkpoints. In budding yeast, the septins organize into polymerized filaments that decorate the division site between mother and daughter cells during mitosis; assembly of this structure at the ‘bud neck’ is critical for completion of cytokinesis and execution of numerous other cellular events. One such pathway includes bud site selection and the recruitment of proteins such as Bud4 and Bud3 that are responsible for promoting an axial budding pattern in haploid yeast. While Bud4 appears to be recruited to the septins independently of the presence of Bud3, it is likely that Bud3 can localize to the bud neck using both Bud4-dependent and Bud4-independent mechanisms. Furthermore, it remains unclear which precise domain or domains within Bud3 is/are both necessary and sufficient for optimal association at the septin structure. In this study, we examined the localization of GFP-Bud3 constructs in otherwise wild-type (WT) haploid yeast cells expressing Cdc10-mCherry using fluorescence microscopy; we tested a collection of N- and C-terminal truncations and fusions of separate Bud3 protein elements to identify the smallest domain(s) responsible for bud neck localization. We found that the coordinate action of the central amphipathic helix (residues 847–865) and a partially conserved C-terminal motif (residues 1172–1273) was sufficient to promote bud neck recruitment in the presence of endogenous Bud3. This domain is considerably smaller than the previously characterized C-terminal portion required to physically interact with Bud4 (1221–1636) and utilizes a similar mechanism of pairing membrane association, with a separate localization domain, similar to other non-septin proteins targeted to the division site during cell division.

Building the cytokinetic contractile ring in an early embryo: Initiation as clusters of myosin II, anillin and septin, and visualization of a septin filament network

The cytokinetic contractile ring (CR) was first described some 50 years ago, however our understanding of the assembly and structure of the animal cell CR remains incomplete. We recently reported that mature CRs in sea urchin embryos contain myosin II mini-filaments organized into aligned concatenated arrays, and that in early CRs myosin II formed discrete clusters that transformed into the linearized structure over time. The present study extends our previous work by addressing the hypothesis that these myosin II clusters also contain the crucial scaffolding proteins anillin and septin, known to help link actin, myosin II, RhoA, and the membrane during cytokinesis. Super-resolution imaging of cortices from dividing embryos indicates that within each cluster, anillin and septin2 occupy a centralized position relative to the myosin II mini-filaments. As CR formation progresses, the myosin II, septin and anillin containing clusters enlarge and coalesce into patchy and faintly linear patterns. Our super-resolution images provide the initial visualization of anillin and septin nanostructure within an animal cell CR, including evidence of a septin filament-like network. Furthermore, Latrunculin-treated embryos indicated that the localization of septin or anillin to the myosin II clusters in the early CR was not dependent on actin filaments. These results highlight the structural progression of the CR in sea urchin embryos from an array of clusters to a linearized purse string, the association of anillin and septin with this process, and provide the visualization of an apparent septin filament network with the CR structure of an animal cell.

Meeting report - the ever-fascinating world of septins

Septins are GTP-binding proteins that assemble into hetero-oligomers. They can interact with each other end-to-end to form filaments, making them the fourth element of the cytoskeleton. To update the current knowledge on the ever-increasing implications of these fascinating proteins in cellular functions, a hundred expert scientists from across the globe gathered from 12 to 15 October 2021 in Berlin for the first hybrid-format (on site and virtual) EMBO workshop Molecular and Cell Biology of Septins.

Septin Assembly and Remodeling at the Cell Division Site During the Cell Cycle

The septin family of proteins can assemble into filaments that further organize into different higher order structures to perform a variety of different functions in different cell types and organisms. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the septins localize to the presumptive bud site as a cortical ring prior to bud emergence, expand into an hourglass at the bud neck (cell division site) during bud growth, and finally “split” into a double ring sandwiching the cell division machinery during cytokinesis. While much work has been done to understand the functions and molecular makeups of these structures, the mechanisms underlying the transitions from one structure to another have largely remained elusive. Recent studies involving advanced imaging and in vitro reconstitution have begun to reveal the vast complexity involved in the regulation of these structural transitions, which defines the focus of discussion in this mini-review.

Septin-microtubule association via a motif unique to the isoform 1 of septin 9 tunes stress fibers

Septins, a family of GTP-binding proteins assembling into higher order structures, interface with the membrane, actin filaments and microtubules, which positions them as important regulators of cytoarchitecture. Septin 9 (SEPT9), which is frequently overexpressed in tumors and mutated in hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy (HNA), mediates the binding of septins to microtubules, but the molecular determinants of this interaction remained uncertain. We demonstrate that a short MAP-like motif unique to SEPT9 isoform 1 (SEPT9_i1) drives septin octamer-microtubule interaction in cells and in vitro reconstitutions. Septin-microtubule association requires polymerizable septin octamers harboring SEPT9_i1. Although outside of the MAP-like motif, HNA mutations abrogates this association, identifying a putative regulatory domain. Removal of this domain from SEPT9_i1 sequesters septins on microtubules, promotes microtubule stability and alters actomyosin fiber distribution and tension. Thus, we identify key molecular determinants and potential regulatory roles of septin-microtubule interaction, paving the way to deciphering the mechanisms underlying septin-associated pathologies.

Insights into animal septins using recombinant human septin octamers with distinct SEPT9 isoforms

Septin GTP-binding proteins contribute essential biological functions that range from the establishment of cell polarity to animal tissue morphogenesis. Human septins in cells form hetero-octameric septin complexes containing the ubiquitously expressed SEPT9 subunit (also known as SEPTIN9). Despite the established role of SEPT9 in mammalian development and human pathophysiology, biochemical and biophysical studies have relied on monomeric SEPT9, thus not recapitulating its native assembly into hetero-octameric complexes. We established a protocol that enabled, for the first time, the isolation of recombinant human septin octamers containing distinct SEPT9 isoforms. A combination of biochemical and biophysical assays confirmed the octameric nature of the isolated complexes in solution. Reconstitution studies showed that octamers with either a long or a short SEPT9 isoform form filament assemblies, and can directly bind and cross-link actin filaments, raising the possibility that septin-decorated actin structures in cells reflect direct actin-septin interactions. Recombinant SEPT9-containing octamers will make it possible to design cell-free assays to dissect the complex interactions of septins with cell membranes and the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton.

Membrane binding controls ordered self-assembly of animal septins

Septins are conserved cytoskeletal proteins that regulate cell cortex mechanics. The mechanisms of their interactions with the plasma membrane remain poorly understood. Here, we show by cell-free reconstitution that binding to flat lipid membranes requires electrostatic interactions of septins with anionic lipids and promotes the ordered self-assembly of fly septins into filamentous meshworks. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that both fly and mammalian septin hexamers form arrays of single and paired filaments. Atomic force microscopy and quartz crystal microbalance demonstrate that the fly filaments form mechanically rigid, 12- to 18-nm thick, double layers of septins. By contrast, C-terminally truncated septin mutants form 4-nm thin monolayers, indicating that stacking requires the C-terminal coiled coils on DSep2 and Pnut subunits. Our work shows that membrane binding is required for fly septins to form ordered arrays of single and paired filaments and provides new insights into the mechanisms by which septins may regulate cell surface mechanics.

Synergistic role of nucleotides and lipids for the self-assembly of Shs1 septin oligomers

Budding yeast septins are essential for cell division and polarity. Septins assemble as palindromic linear octameric complexes. The function and ultra-structural organization of septins are finely governed by their molecular polymorphism. In particular, in budding yeast, the end subunit can stand either as Shs1 or Cdc11. We have dissected, here, for the first time, the behavior of the Shs1 protomer bound to membranes at nanometer resolution, in complex with the other septins. Using electron microscopy, we have shown that on membranes, Shs1 protomers self-assemble into rings, bundles, filaments or two-dimensional gauzes. Using a set of specific mutants we have demonstrated a synergistic role of both nucleotides and lipids for the organization and oligomerization of budding yeast septins. Besides, cryo-electron tomography assays show that vesicles are deformed by the interaction between Shs1 oligomers and lipids. The Shs1-Shs1 interface is stabilized by the presence of phosphoinositides, allowing the visualization of micrometric long filaments formed by Shs1 protomers. In addition, molecular modeling experiments have revealed a potential molecular mechanism regarding the selectivity of septin subunits for phosphoinositide lipids.

Reconstructed evolutionary history of the yeast septins Cdc11 and Shs1

Septins are GTP-binding proteins conserved across metazoans. They can polymerize into extended filaments and, hence, are considered a component of the cytoskeleton. The number of individual septins varies across the tree of life—yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has seven distinct subunits, a nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) has two, and humans have 13. However, the overall geometric unit (an apolar hetero-octameric protomer and filaments assembled there from) has been conserved. To understand septin evolutionary variation, we focused on a related pair of yeast subunits (Cdc11 and Shs1) that appear to have arisen from gene duplication within the fungal clade. Either Cdc11 or Shs1 occupies the terminal position within a hetero-octamer, yet Cdc11 is essential for septin function and cell viability, whereas Shs1 is not. To discern the molecular basis of this divergence, we utilized ancestral gene reconstruction to predict, synthesize, and experimentally examine the most recent common ancestor (“Anc.11-S”) of Cdc11 and Shs1. Anc.11-S was able to occupy the terminal position within an octamer, just like the modern subunits. Although Anc.11-S supplied many of the known functions of Cdc11, it was unable to replace the distinct function(s) of Shs1. To further evaluate the history of Shs1, additional intermediates along a proposed trajectory from Anc.11-S to yeast Shs1 were generated and tested. We demonstrate that multiple events contributed to the current properties of Shs1: (1) loss of Shs1–Shs1 self-association early after duplication, (2) co-evolution of heterotypic Cdc11–Shs1 interaction between neighboring hetero-octamers, and (3) eventual repurposing and acquisition of novel function(s) for its C-terminal extension domain. Thus, a pair of duplicated proteins, despite constraints imposed by assembly into a highly conserved multi-subunit structure, could evolve new functionality via a complex evolutionary pathway.

Junctional Localization of Septin 2 Is Required for Organization of Junctional Proteins in Static Endothelial Monolayers

OBJECTIVE

Septin 2 is localized at junctions in human microvascular endothelial monolayers. The junctional localization of septin 2 is necessary for organization of cell-cell adhesion proteins of endothelial cells. Approach and Results: Septin 2 was depleted at junctions by suppression of expression using shRNA, treatment with inflammatory cytokine, TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α, and ectopic overexpression of septin 2 phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate binding mutant defect in interaction with plasma membrane. Under those conditions, organizations and expression levels of various junctional proteins were analyzed. Confocal images of immunofluorescence staining showed substantial disorganization of adherens junctional proteins, nectin-2 and afadin, TJP (tight junction protein), ZO (zonula occludens)-1, and intercellular adhesion protein, PECAM-1 (platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1). Immunoblots for those proteins did not show significant changes in expression except for nectin-2 that highly increased in expression. Significant differential gene expression profiles and biological pathway analysis by septin 2 suppression and by TNF-α treatment using RNA-seq showed common overlapping pathways. The commonalities in expression may be consistent with the similar effects on the overall organization of cell-cell adhesion proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Localization of septin 2 at cell junctions are required for the arrangement of junctional proteins and the integrity of the barrier formed by endothelial monolayers.

Plasma Membrane MCC/Eisosome Domains Promote Stress Resistance in Fungi

There is growing appreciation that the plasma membrane orchestrates a diverse array of functions by segregating different activities into specialized domains that vary in size, stability, and composition. Studies with the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have identified a novel type of plasma membrane domain known as the MCC (membrane compartment of Can1)/eisosomes that correspond to stable furrows in the plasma membrane. MCC/eisosomes maintain proteins at the cell surface, such as nutrient transporters like the Can1 arginine symporter, by protecting them from endocytosis and degradation. Recent studies from several fungal species are now revealing new functional roles for MCC/eisosomes that enable cells to respond to a wide range of stressors, including changes in membrane tension, nutrition, cell wall integrity, oxidation, and copper toxicity. The different MCC/eisosome functions are often intertwined through the roles of these domains in lipid homeostasis, which is important for proper plasma membrane architecture and cell signaling. Therefore, this review will emphasize the emerging models that explain how MCC/eisosomes act as hubs to coordinate cellular responses to stress. The importance of MCC/eisosomes is underscored by their roles in virulence for fungal pathogens of plants, animals, and humans, which also highlights the potential of these domains to act as novel therapeutic targets.

Septin architecture and function in budding yeast

The septins constitute a conserved family of guanosine phosphate-binding and filament-forming proteins widespread across eukaryotic species. Septins appear to have two principal functions. One is to form a cortical diffusion barrier, like the septin collar at the bud neck of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which prevents movement of membrane-associated proteins between the mother and daughter cells. The second is to serve as a polymeric scaffold for recruiting the proteins required for critical cellular processes to particular subcellular areas. In the last decade, structural information about the different levels of septin organization has appeared, but crucial structural determinants and factors responsible for septin assembly remain largely unknown. This review highlights recent findings on the architecture and function of septins and their remodeling with an emphasis on mitotically dividing budding yeasts.

A septin-Hof1 scaffold at the yeast bud neck binds and organizes actin cables

Cellular actin arrays are often highly organized, with characteristic patterns critical to their in vivo functions, yet the mechanisms for establishing these higher order geometries remain poorly understood. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, formin-polymerized actin cables are spatially organized and aligned along the mother–bud axis to facilitate polarized vesicle traffic. Here, we show that the bud neck–associated F-BAR protein Hof1, independent of its functions in regulating the formin Bnr1, binds to actin filaments and organizes actin cables in vivo. Hof1 bundles actin filaments and links them to septins in vitro. F-actin binding is mediated by the “linker” domain of Hof1, and its deletion leads to cable organization defects in vivo. Using superresolution imaging, we show that Hof1 and septins are patterned at the bud neck into evenly spaced axial pillars (∼200 nm apart), from which actin cables emerge and grow into the mother cell. These results suggest that Hof1, while bound to septins at the bud neck, not only regulates Bnr1 activity, but also binds to actin cables and aligns them along the mother–bud axis. More broadly, these findings provide a strong example of how an actin regulatory protein can be spatially patterned at the cell cortex to govern actin network geometry.

Septins, a cytoskeletal protein family, with emerging role in striated muscle

Appropriate organization of cytoskeletal components are required for normal distribution and intracellular localization of different ion channels and proteins involved in calcium homeostasis, signal transduction, and contractile function of striated muscle. Proteins of the contractile system are in direct or indirect connection with the extrasarcomeric cytoskeleton. A number of other molecules which have essential role in regulating stretch-, voltage-, and chemical signal transduction from the surface into the cytoplasm or other intracellular compartments are already well characterized. Sarcomere, the basic contractile unit, is comprised of a precisely organized system of thin (actin), and thick (myosin) filaments. Intermediate filaments connect the sarcomeres and other organelles (mitochondria and nucleus), and are responsible for the cellular integrity. Interacting proteins have a very diverse function in coupling of the intracellular assembly components and regulating the normal physiological function. Despite the more and more intense investigations of a new cytoskeletal protein family, the septins, only limited information is available regarding their expression and role in striated, especially in skeletal muscles. In this review we collected basic and specified knowledge regarding this protein group and emphasize the importance of this emerging field in skeletal muscle biology.

Membrane reshaping by micrometric curvature sensitive septin filaments

Septins are cytoskeletal filaments that assemble at the inner face of the plasma membrane. They are localized at constriction sites and impact membrane remodeling. We report in vitro tools to examine how yeast septins behave on curved and deformable membranes. Septins reshape the membranes of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles with the formation of periodic spikes, while flattening smaller vesicles. We show that membrane deformations are associated to preferential arrangement of septin filaments on specific curvatures. When binding to bilayers supported on custom-designed periodic wavy patterns displaying positive and negative micrometric radii of curvatures, septin filaments remain straight and perpendicular to the curvature of the convex parts, while bending negatively to follow concave geometries. Based on these results, we propose a theoretical model that describes the deformations and micrometric curvature sensitivity observed in vitro. The model captures the reorganizations of septin filaments throughout cytokinesis in vivo, providing mechanistic insights into cell division.

Septins are cytoskeletal filaments that localize at constriction sites and impact membrane remodeling. Here authors examine the curvature sensitivity of septins using bilayers on wavy patterns and derive a theoretical model that quantitatively describe the results.

Septin-associated proteins Aim44 and Nis1 traffic between the bud neck and the nucleus in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In budding yeast, a collar of septin filaments at the neck between a mother cell and its bud marks the incipient site for cell division and serves as a scaffold that recruits proteins required for proper spatial and temporal execution of cytokinesis. A set of interacting proteins that localize at or near the bud neck, including Aim44/Gps1, Nba1 and Nis1, also has been implicated in preventing Cdc42-dependent bud site re-establishment at the division site. We found that, at their endogenous level, Aim44 and Nis1 robustly localize sequentially at the septin collar. Strikingly, however, when overproduced, both proteins shift their subcellular distribution predominantly to the nucleus. Aim44 localizes with the inner nuclear envelope, as well as at the plasma membrane, whereas Nis1 accumulates within the nucleus, indicating that these proteins normally undergo nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Of the 14 yeast karyopherins, Kap123/Yrb4 is the primary importin for Aim44, whereas several importins mediate Nis1 nuclear entry. Conversely, Kap124/Xpo1/Crm1 is the primary exportin for Nis1, whereas both Xpo1 and Cse1/Kap109 likely contribute to Aim44 nuclear export. Even when endogenously expressed, Nis1 accumulates in the nucleus when Nba1 is absent. When either Aim44 or Nis1 are overexpressed, Nba1 is displaced from the bud neck, further consistent with the mutual interactions of these proteins. Collectively, our results indicate that a previously unappreciated level at which localization of septin-associated proteins is controlled is via regulation of their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, which places constraints on their availability for complex formation with other partners at the bud neck.

Architecture, remodeling, and functions of the septin cytoskeleton

The septin family of proteins has fascinated cell biologists for decades due to the elaborate architecture they adopt in different eukaryotic cells. Whether they exist as rings, collars, or gauzes in different cell types and at different times in the cell cycle illustrates a complex series of regulation in structure. While the organization of different septin structures at the cortex of different cell types during the cell cycle has been described to various degrees, the exact structure and regulation at the filament level are still largely unknown. Recent advances in fluorescent and electron microscopy, as well as work in septin biochemistry, have allowed new insights into the aspects of septin architecture, remodeling, and function in many cell types. This mini-review highlights many of the recent findings with an emphasis on the budding yeast model.

Septins regulate junctional integrity of endothelial monolayers

Junctional integrity of endothelial monolayers is crucial to control movement of molecules and cells across the endothelium. Examining the structure and dynamics of cell junctions in endothelial monolayers, we discovered a role for septins. Contacts between adjacent endothelial cells were dynamic, with protrusions extending above or below neighboring cells. Vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) was present at cell junctions, with a membrane-associated layer of F-actin. Septins localized at cell-junction membranes, in patterns distinct from VE-cadherin and F-actin. Septins assumed curved and scallop-shaped patterns at junctions, especially in regions of positive membrane curvature associated with actin-rich membrane protrusions. Depletion of septins led to disrupted morphology of VE-cadherin junctions and increased expression of VE-cadherin. In videos, septin-depleted cells displayed remodeling at cell junctions; regions with VE-cadherin were broader, and areas with membrane ruffling were wider. Septin depletion and junction disruption led to functional loss of junctional integrity, revealed by decreased transendothelial electric resistance and increased transmigration of immune cells. We conclude that septins, as cytoskeletal elements associated with the plasma membrane, are important for cell junctions and junctional integrity of endothelial monolayers, functioning at regions of positive curvature in support of actin-rich protrusions to promote cadherin-based cell junctions.

Yeast cells contain a heterogeneous population of peroxisomes that segregate asymmetrically during cell division

Here, we used fluorescence microscopy and a peroxisome-targeted tandem fluorescent protein timer to determine the relative age of peroxisomes in yeast. Our data indicate that yeast cells contain a heterogeneous population of relatively old and young peroxisomes. During budding, the peroxisome retention factor inheritance of peroxisomes protein 1 (Inp1) selectively associates to the older organelles, which are retained in the mother cells. Inp2, a protein required for transport of peroxisomes to the bud, preferentially associates to younger organelles. Using a microfluidics device, we demonstrate that the selective segregation of younger peroxisomes to the buds is carefully maintained during multiple budding events. The replicative lifespan of mother cells increased upon deletion of INP2, which resulted in the retention of all organelles in mother cells. These data suggest that, in wild-type yeast, transport of aged and deteriorated peroxisomes to the bud is prevented, whereas the young and vital organelles are preferably transported to the newly forming buds.

The anillin-related Int1 protein and the Sep7 septin collaborate to maintain cellular ploidy in Candida albicans

Variation in cell ploidy is a common feature of Candida albicans clinical isolates that are resistant to the antifungal drug fluconazole. Here, we report that the anillin-related protein Int1 interacts with septins for coupling cytokinesis with nuclear segregation. Loss of Int1 results in a rapid disassembly of duplicated septin rings from the bud neck at the onset of actomyosin ring contraction. Strikingly, this has no major impact on cytokinesis and septum formation. However, Int1 genetically interacts with the Sep7 septin, maintaining the diffusion barrier at the bud neck and guarantying a faithful nuclear segregation. Indeed, int1ΔΔ sep7ΔΔ mutant cells, in contrast to int1ΔΔ cdc10ΔΔ, undergo a premature activation of mitotic exit prior to the alignment of the mitotic spindle with the division axis, producing large multinucleated cells. Some of these multinucleated cells arise from trimeras similar to those observed upon fluconazole exposure. Finally, the defects in nuclear segregation could be in part due to the inability to maintain the Lte1 mitotic exit activator at the cortex of the daughter cell. These results suggest that Int1 and Sep7 play a role in maintaining genome stability by acting as a diffusion barrier for Lte1.

Dynamic localization of a yeast development-specific PP1 complex during prospore membrane formation is dependent on multiple localization signals and complex formation

Prospore membrane formation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides a powerful model for understanding the mechanisms of de novo membrane formation. Protein phosphatase type1, Glc7, and a sporulation-specific targeting subunit, Gip1, show dynamic localization using multiple localization signals and regulate membrane growth during sporulation.

During the developmental process of sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, membrane structures called prospore membranes are formed de novo, expand, extend, acquire a round shape, and finally become plasma membranes of the spores. GIP1 encodes a regulatory/targeting subunit of protein phosphatase type 1 that is required for sporulation. Gip1 recruits the catalytic subunit Glc7 to septin structures that form along the prospore membrane; however, the molecular basis of its localization and function is not fully understood. Here we show that Gip1 changes its localization dynamically and is required for prospore membrane extension. Gip1 first associates with the spindle pole body as the prospore membrane forms, moves onto the prospore membrane and then to the septins as the membrane extends, distributes around the prospore membrane after closure, and finally translocates into the nucleus in the maturing spore. Deletion and mutation analyses reveal distinct sequences in Gip1 that are required for different localizations and for association with Glc7. Binding to Glc7 is also required for proper localization. Strikingly, localization to the prospore membrane, but not association with septins, is important for Gip1 function. Further, our genetic analysis suggests that a Gip1–Glc7 phosphatase complex regulates prospore membrane extension in parallel to the previously reported Vps13, Spo71, Spo73 pathway.

Cryo-electron tomography reveals novel features of a viral RNA replication compartment

Positive-strand RNA viruses, the largest genetic class of viruses, include numerous important pathogens such as Zika virus. These viruses replicate their RNA genomes in novel, membrane-bounded mini-organelles, but the organization of viral proteins and RNAs in these compartments has been largely unknown. We used cryo-electron tomography to reveal many previously unrecognized features of Flock house nodavirus (FHV) RNA replication compartments. These spherular invaginations of outer mitochondrial membranes are packed with electron-dense RNA fibrils and their volumes are closely correlated with RNA replication template length. Each spherule’s necked aperture is crowned by a striking cupped ring structure containing multifunctional FHV RNA replication protein A. Subtomogram averaging of these crowns revealed twelve-fold symmetry, concentric flanking protrusions, and a central electron density. Many crowns were associated with long cytoplasmic fibrils, likely to be exported progeny RNA. These results provide new mechanistic insights into positive-strand RNA virus replication compartment structure, assembly, function and control.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25940.001

Analysis of Septin Reorganization at Cytokinesis Using Polarized Fluorescence Microscopy

Septins are conserved filament-forming proteins that act in diverse cellular processes. They closely associate with membranes and, in some systems, components of the cytoskeleton. It is not well understood how filaments assemble into higher-order structures in vivo or how they are remodeled throughout the cell cycle. In the budding yeast S. cerevisiae, septins are found through most of the cell cycle in an hourglass organization at the mother-bud neck until cytokinesis when the collar splits into two rings that disassemble prior to the next cell cycle. Experiments using polarized fluorescence microscopy have suggested that septins are arranged in ordered, paired filaments in the hourglass and undergo a coordinated 90° reorientation during splitting at cytokinesis. This apparent reorganization could be due to two orthogonal populations of filaments disassembling and reassembling or being preferentially retained at cytokinesis. In support of this idea, we report a decrease in septin concentration at the mother-bud neck during cytokinesis consistent with other reports and the timing of the decrease depends on known septin regulators including the Gin4 kinase. We took a candidate-based approach to examine what factors control reorientation during splitting and used polarized fluorescence microscopy to screen mutant yeast strains deficient in septin interacting proteins. Using this method, we have linked known septin regulators to different aspects of the assembly, stability, and reorganization of septin assemblies. The data support that ring splitting requires Gin4 activity and an anillin-like protein Bud4, and normal accumulation of septins at the ring requires phosphorylation of Shs1. We found distinct regulatory requirements for septin organization in the hourglass compared to split rings. We propose that septin subpopulations can vary in their localization and assembly/disassembly behavior in a cell-cycle dependent manner at cytokinesis.

FIJI Macro 3D ART VeSElecT: 3D Automated Reconstruction Tool for Vesicle Structures of Electron Tomograms

Automatic image reconstruction is critical to cope with steadily increasing data from advanced microscopy. We describe here the Fiji macro 3D ART VeSElecT which we developed to study synaptic vesicles in electron tomograms. We apply this tool to quantify vesicle properties (i) in embryonic Danio rerio 4 and 8 days past fertilization (dpf) and (ii) to compare Caenorhabditis elegans N2 neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) wild-type and its septin mutant (unc-59(e261)). We demonstrate development-specific and mutant-specific changes in synaptic vesicle pools in both models. We confirm the functionality of our macro by applying our 3D ART VeSElecT on zebrafish NMJ showing smaller vesicles in 8 dpf embryos then 4 dpf, which was validated by manual reconstruction of the vesicle pool. Furthermore, we analyze the impact of C. elegans septin mutant unc-59(e261) on vesicle pool formation and vesicle size. Automated vesicle registration and characterization was implemented in Fiji as two macros (registration and measurement). This flexible arrangement allows in particular reducing false positives by an optional manual revision step. Preprocessing and contrast enhancement work on image-stacks of 1nm/pixel in x and y direction. Semi-automated cell selection was integrated. 3D ART VeSElecT removes interfering components, detects vesicles by 3D segmentation and calculates vesicle volume and diameter (spherical approximation, inner/outer diameter). Results are collected in color using the RoiManager plugin including the possibility of manual removal of non-matching confounder vesicles. Detailed evaluation considered performance (detected vesicles) and specificity (true vesicles) as well as precision and recall. We furthermore show gain in segmentation and morphological filtering compared to learning based methods and a large time gain compared to manual segmentation. 3D ART VeSElecT shows small error rates and its speed gain can be up to 68 times faster in comparison to manual annotation. Both automatic and semi-automatic modes are explained including a tutorial.

Mechanics and regulation of cytokinesis in budding yeast

Cytokinesis is essential for the survival of all organisms. It requires concerted functions of cell signaling, force production, exocytosis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Due to the conservation in core components and mechanisms between fungal and animal cells, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has served as an attractive model for studying this fundamental process. In this review, we discuss the mechanics and regulation of distinct events of cytokinesis in budding yeast, including the assembly, constriction, and disassembly of the actomyosin ring, septum formation, abscission, and their spatiotemporal coordination. We also highlight the key concepts and questions that are common to animal and fungal cytokinesis.

Effects of Bni5 Binding on Septin Filament Organization

Septins are a protein family found in all eukaryotes (except higher plants) that have roles in membrane remodeling and formation of diffusion barriers and as a scaffold to recruit other proteins. In budding yeast, proper execution of cytokinesis and cell division requires the formation of a collar of circumferential filaments at the bud neck. These filaments are assembled from apolar septin hetero-octamers. Currently, little is known about the mechanisms that control the arrangement and dynamics of septin structures. In this study, we utilized both Förster resonance energy transfer and electron microscopy to analyze the biophysical properties of the septin-binding protein Bni5 and how its association with septin filaments affects their organization. We found that the interaction of Bni5 with the terminal subunit (Cdc11) at the junctions between adjacent hetero-octamers in paired filaments is highly cooperative. Both the C-terminal end of Bni5 and the C-terminal extension of Cdc11 make important contributions to their interaction. Moreover, this binding may stabilize the dimerization of Bni5, which, in turn, forms cross-filament braces that significantly narrow, and impose much more uniform spacing on, the gap between paired filaments.

Septin-Associated Protein Kinases in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Septins are a family of eukaryotic GTP-binding proteins that associate into linear rods, which, in turn, polymerize end-on-end into filaments, and further assemble into other, more elaborate super-structures at discrete subcellular locations. Hence, septin-based ensembles are considered elements of the cytoskeleton. One function of these structures that has been well-documented in studies conducted in budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is to serve as a scaffold that recruits regulatory proteins, which dictate the spatial and temporal control of certain aspects of the cell division cycle. In particular, septin-associated protein kinases couple cell cycle progression with cellular morphogenesis. Thus, septin-containing structures serve as signaling platforms that integrate a multitude of signals and coordinate key downstream networks required for cell cycle passage. This review summarizes what we currently understand about how the action of septin-associated protein kinases and their substrates control information flow to drive the cell cycle into and out of mitosis, to regulate bud growth, and especially to direct timely and efficient execution of cytokinesis and cell abscission. Thus, septin structures represent a regulatory node at the intersection of many signaling pathways. In addition, and importantly, the activities of certain septin-associated protein kinases also regulate the state of organization of the septins themselves, creating a complex feedback loop.

Forging the ring: from fungal septins' divergent roles in morphology, septation and virulence to factors contributing to their assembly into higher order structures

Septins are a conserved family of GTP-binding proteins that are distributed across different lineages of the eukaryotes, with the exception of plants. Septins perform a myriad of functions in fungal cells, ranging from controlling morphogenetic events to contributing to host tissue invasion and virulence. One key attribute of the septins is their ability to assemble into heterooligomeric complexes that organizse into higher order structures. In addition to the established role of septins in the model budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, their importance in other fungi recently emerges. While newer roles for septins are being uncovered in these fungi, the mechanism of how septins assemble into a complex and their regulation is only beginning to be comprehended. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of septins in different fungi and focus on how the septin complexes of different fungi are organized in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we discuss on how phosphorylation/dephosphorylation can serve as an important mechanism of septin complex assembly and regulation.

Investigation of the role of four mitotic septins and chitin synthase 2 for cytokinesis in Kluyveromyces lactis

Septins are key components of the cell division machinery from yeast to humans. The model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has five mitotic septins, Cdc3, Cdc10, Cdc11, Cdc12, and Shs1. Here we characterized the five orthologs from the genetically less-redundant milk yeast Kluyveromyces lactis. We found that except for KlSHS1 all septin genes are essential. Klshs1 deletions displayed temperature-sensitive growth and morphological defects. Heterologous complementation analyses revealed that all five K. lactis genes encode functional orthologs of their S. cerevisiae counterparts. Fluorophore-tagged versions of the K. lactis septins localized to a ring at the incipient bud site and split into two separate rings at the bud neck later in cytokinesis. One of the key proteins recruited to the bud neck by septins in S. cerevisiae is the chitin synthase Chs2, which synthesizes the primary septum. KlCHS2 was found to be essential and deletions showed cytokinetic defects upon spore germination. KlChs2-GFP also localized to the bud neck and to punctate structures in K. lactis. We conclude that cytokinesis in K. lactis is similar to S. cerevisiae and chimeric septin complexes are fully functional in both yeasts. In contrast to some S. cerevisiae strains, KlChs2 and KlCdc10 were found to be essential.

Detection of protein-protein interactions at the septin collar in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a tripartite split-GFP system

A tripartite split-GFP system faithfully reports the order of the subunits in septin hetero-octamers (and thus can serve as a “molecular ruler”), conversely yields little or no false signal even with very highly expressed cytosolic proteins, and detects authentic interactions of other cellular proteins that are bona fide septin-binding proteins.

Various methods can provide a readout of the physical interaction between two biomolecules. A recently described tripartite split-GFP system has the potential to report by direct visualization via a fluorescence signal the intimate association of minimally tagged proteins expressed at their endogenous level in their native cellular milieu and can capture transient or weak interactions. Here we document the utility of this tripartite split-GFP system to assess in living cells protein–protein interactions in a dynamic cytoskeletal structure—the septin collar at the yeast bud neck. We show, first, that for septin–septin interactions, this method yields a robust signal whose strength reflects the known spacing between the subunits in septin filaments and thus serves as a “molecular ruler.” Second, the method yields little or no spurious signal even with highly abundant cytosolic proteins readily accessible to the bud neck (including molecular chaperone Hsp82 and glycolytic enzyme Pgk1). Third, using two proteins (Bni5 and Hsl1) that have been shown by other means to bind directly to septins at the bud neck in vivo, we validate that the tripartite split-GFP method yields the same conclusions and further insights about specificity. Finally, we demonstrate the capacity of this approach to uncover additional new information by examining whether three other proteins reported to localize to the bud neck (Nis1, Bud4, and Hof1) are able to interact physically with any of the subunits in the septin collar and, if so, with which ones.

Septins and Generation of Asymmetries in Fungal Cells

Polarized growth is critical for the development and maintenance of diverse organisms and tissues but particularly so in fungi, where nutrient uptake, communication, and reproduction all rely on cell asymmetries. To achieve polarized growth, fungi spatially organize both their cytosol and cortical membranes. Septins, a family of GTP-binding proteins, are key regulators of spatial compartmentalization in fungi and other eukaryotes. Septins form higher-order structures on fungal plasma membranes and are thought to contribute to the generation of cell asymmetries by acting as molecular scaffolds and forming diffusional barriers. Here we discuss the links between septins and polarized growth and consider molecular models for how septins contribute to cellular asymmetry in fungi.

A FRET-based method for monitoring septin polymerization and binding of septin-associated proteins

Much about septin function has been inferred from in vivo studies using mainly genetic methods, and much of what we know about septin organization has been obtained through examination of static structures in vitro primarily by electron microscopy. Deeper mechanistic insight requires real-time analysis of the dynamics of the assembly of septin-based structures and how other proteins associate with them. We describe here a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based approach for measuring in vitro the rate and extent of filament formation from septin complexes, binding of other proteins to septin structures, and the apparent affinities of these interactions. FRET is particularly well suited for interrogating protein-protein interactions, especially on a rapid timescale; the spectral change provides an unambiguous indication of whether two elements within the system under study are associating and serves as a molecular-level "ruler" because it is very sensitive to the separation between the donor and acceptor fluorophores over biologically relevant distances (≤10nm). The necessary procedures involve generation of appropriate cysteine-less and single cysteine-containing septin variants, expression and purification of the heterooctameric complexes containing them, efficient labeling of the purified complexes with desired fluorophores, fluorimetric measurement of FRET, and appropriate safeguards and controls in data acquisition and analysis. Our methods can be used to interrogate the effects of buffer conditions, small molecules, and septin-binding proteins on septin filament assembly or stability; determine the effect of alternative septin subunits, mutational alterations, or posttranslational modifications on assembly; and, delineate the location of septin-binding proteins.

Ashbya gossypii as a model system to study septin organization by single-molecule localization microscopy

Heteromeric complexes of GTP-binding proteins from the septin family assemble into higher order structures that are essential for cell division in many organisms. The correct organization of the subunits into filaments, gauzes, and rings is the basis of septin function in this process. Electron microscopy and polarization fluorescence microscopy contributed greatly to the understanding of the dynamics and organization of such structures. However, both methods show technical limitations in resolution and specificity that do not allow the identification of individual septin complexes in assemblies in intact cells. Single-molecule localization-based fluorescence superresolution microscopy methods combine the resolution of cellular structures at the nanometer level with highest molecular specificity and excellent contrast. Here, we provide a protocol that enables the investigation of the organization of septin complexes in higher order structures in cells by combining advantageous features of the model organism Ashbya gossypii with single-molecule localization microscopy. Our assay is designed to investigate the general assembly mechanism of septin complexes in cells and is applicable to many cell types.

Coordinate action of distinct sequence elements localizes checkpoint kinase Hsl1 to the septin collar at the bud neck in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A long-standing conundrum is resolved about the underlying sequence determinants and molecular mechanism responsible for the recruitment of the protein kinase Hsl1 (an indispensable component of the so-called “morphogenesis checkpoint”) exclusively to the septin collar at the bud neck.

Passage through the eukaryotic cell cycle requires processes that are tightly regulated both spatially and temporally. Surveillance mechanisms (checkpoints) exert quality control and impose order on the timing and organization of downstream events by impeding cell cycle progression until the necessary components are available and undamaged and have acted in the proper sequence. In budding yeast, a checkpoint exists that does not allow timely execution of the G2/M transition unless and until a collar of septin filaments has properly assembled at the bud neck, which is the site where subsequent cytokinesis will occur. An essential component of this checkpoint is the large (1518-residue) protein kinase Hsl1, which localizes to the bud neck only if the septin collar has been correctly formed. Hsl1 reportedly interacts with particular septins; however, the precise molecular determinants in Hsl1 responsible for its recruitment to this cellular location during G2 have not been elucidated. We performed a comprehensive mutational dissection and accompanying image analysis to identify the sequence elements within Hsl1 responsible for its localization to the septins at the bud neck. Unexpectedly, we found that this targeting is multipartite. A segment of the central region of Hsl1 (residues 611–950), composed of two tandem, semiredundant but distinct septin-associating elements, is necessary and sufficient for binding to septin filaments both in vitro and in vivo. However, in addition to 611–950, efficient localization of Hsl1 to the septin collar in the cell obligatorily requires generalized targeting to the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane, a function normally provided by the C-terminal phosphatidylserine-binding KA1 domain (residues 1379–1518) in Hsl1 but that can be replaced by other, heterologous phosphatidylserine-binding sequences.

Visualization of in vivo septin ultrastructures by platinum replica electron microscopy

Septins are cytoskeletal proteins involved in diverse biological processes including cytokinesis, cell morphogenesis, motility, and ciliogenesis. Septins form various filamentous structures in vitro and in vivo, but the higher-order architecture of septin structures in vivo remains poorly defined. The best understood system in this respect is the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where septins form a ring structure that undergoes multiple stages of remodeling during the cell cycle. In this chapter, we describe a method for visualizing supramolecular septin structures in yeast at high spatial resolution using platinum replica electron microscopy. This approach can be applied to further understand the regulation of assembly and remodeling of septin higher-order structures, as well as the relationship between septin architecture and function.

New Insight Into the Roles of Membrane Microdomains in Physiological Activities of Fungal Cells

The organization of biological membranes into structurally and functionally distinct lateral microdomains is generally accepted. From bacteria to mammals, laterally compartmentalized membranes seem to be a vital attribute of life. The crucial fraction of our current knowledge about the membrane microdomains has been gained from studies on fungi. In this review we summarize the evidence of the microdomain organization of membranes from fungal cells, with accent on their enormous diversity in composition, temporal dynamics, modes of formation, and recognized engagement in the cell physiology. A special emphasis is laid on the fact that in addition to their other biological functions, membrane microdomains also mediate the communication among different membranes within a eukaryotic cell and coordinate their functions. Involvement of fungal membrane microdomains in stress sensing, regulation of lipid homeostasis, and cell differentiation is discussed more in detail.

Actomyosin ring driven cytokinesis in budding yeast

Cytokinesis is the final process in the cell cycle that physically divides one cell into two. In budding yeast, cytokinesis is driven by a contractile actomyosin ring (AMR) and the simultaneous formation of a primary septum, which serves as template for cell wall deposition. AMR assembly, constriction, primary septum formation and cell wall deposition are successive processes and tightly coupled to cell cycle progression to ensure the correct distribution of genetic material and cell organelles among the two rising cells prior to cell division. The role of the AMR in cytokinesis and the molecular mechanisms that drive AMR constriction and septation are the focus of current research. This review summarizes the recent progresses in our understanding of how budding yeast cells orchestrate the multitude of molecular mechanisms that control AMR driven cytokinesis in a spatio-temporal manner to achieve an error free cell division.

GTPase domain driven dimerization of SEPT7 is dispensable for the critical role of septins in fibroblast cytokinesis

Septin 7 (SEPT7) has been described to be essential for successful completion of cytokinesis in mouse fibroblasts, and Sept7-deficiency in fibroblasts constitutively results in multinucleated cells which stop proliferation. Using Sept7^flox/floxfibroblasts we generated a cellular system, where the cytokinetic defects of Cre-mediated deletion of the Sept7 gene can be rescued by ectopically expressed doxycycline-inducible wild type SEPT7. Using this system, we analyzed the ability of SEPT7-mutants with alterations in their GTPase domain-dependent dimerization to prevent multinucleation and rescue proliferation. Although biochemical analysis of the mutants demonstrates differences in homo- and/or hetero-polymerization, in GTP-binding and/or GTPase activities, all analyzed mutants were able to rescue the cytokinesis phenotype of Sept7^flox/floxfibroblasts associated with Cre-mediated deletion of endogenous Sept7. These findings indicate that the ability of septins to assemble into well-defined SEPT7-dimerization dependent native filaments is dispensable for cytokinesis in fibroblasts and opens the way to search for other mechanisms of the involvement of SEPT7 in cytokinesis.

Crystal structure of Cdc11, a septin subunit from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Septins are a conserved family of GTP-binding proteins that assemble into a highly ordered array of filaments at the mother bud neck in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Many molecular functions and mechanisms of the septins in S. cerevisiae were already uncovered. However, structural information is only available from modeling the crystallized subunits of the human septins into the EM cryomicroscopy data of the yeast hetero-octameric septin rod. Octameric rods are the building block of septin filaments in yeast. We present here the first crystal structure of Cdc11, the terminal subunit of the octameric rod and discuss its structure in relation to its human homologues. Size exclusion chromatography analysis revealed that Cdc11 forms homodimers through its C-terminal coiled coil tail.