Structural and biochemical properties of Sept7, a unique septin required for filament formation

Biol Chem. 2011 Aug;392(8-9):791-7. doi: 10.1515/BC.2011.082.

Abstract

Septins constitute a family of conserved guanine nucleotide binding proteins found in a wide range of organisms from fungi to mammals. Members of the family share a canonical G-domain with N- and C-terminal extensions. G-domains assemble into hetero-oligomeric complexes which form non-polarised filaments or rings. Linear filaments are formed between the G-domains using either the guanine nucleotide binding site (G interface) or N- and C-terminal extensions (NC interface). Sept7 is a unique among the 13 human septins in that it occupies the ends of hexameric building blocks which assemble into non-polarised filaments. To gain insight into its particular properties we performed structural and biochemical studies on Sept7. We solved the crystal structure of a Sept7 dimer in the GDP-bound state. The structure and biochemistry of Sept7 provide new insights into the dynamics of the G interface and outline the differences in the properties of Sept7 compared to the members of group 2 septins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle Proteins / chemistry*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Protein Binding
  • Septins / chemistry*
  • Septins / genetics
  • Septins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • SEPTIN7 protein, human
  • Septins

Associated data

  • PDB/3T5D