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Undressing a cellular corset: septins exposed

Nature Cell Biology volume 11, pages 9–10 (2009)Cite this article

Septins comprise a conserved family of cytoskeletal proteins distinct from the microfilament, microtubule and intermediate filament systems. They are GTPases that have been implicated in a number of cellular processes ranging from mitosis to vesicular trafficking. A new study identifies a previously undefined role for septins as cellular 'corsets', modulating cell shape and providing cortical rigidity in T cells that allows for their controlled migration.

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Figure 1: Septin loss causes changes in cell morphology and increases migration through small pores.

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Author notes

  1. Keith Burridge is at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. keith_burridge@med.unc.edu

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Melissa C. Srougi is at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,

    Melissa C. Srougi & Keith Burridge

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  1. Melissa C. Srougi
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  2. Keith Burridge
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Srougi, M., Burridge, K. Undressing a cellular corset: septins exposed. Nat Cell Biol 11, 9–10 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb0109-9

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