Research Project Summary

 Investigating the Role of Septin Associated Proteins in Cytokinesis and Septin Organization 

Septins are a highly conserved group of cytoskeletal GTP binding proteins that play important roles in maintaining cellular organization and coordinating several cellular processes. Septins contribute to cell division, membrane organization, intracellular trafficking, and the organization of proteins. One of their most important functions occurs during cytokinesis, the final stage of cell division where one parent cell separates into two daughter cells. Septins also interact with cytoskeletal components such as actin and myosin, helping coordinate membrane constriction and the completion of cytokinesis. Because of these roles, disruption of normal septin organization can interfere with cell division and may result in abnormal cell morphology, incomplete cytokinesis, or the formation of multinucleated cells. 

In Dr. Shuster’s laboratory, this project investigates how the expression of a septin-associated protein influences septin organization and cytokinesis in mammalian cells. To investigate these effects, a fluorescently tagged open reading frame encoding the protein of interest is being expressed using a mammalian expression vector. Mammalian cell culture, transfection, and fluorescence microscopy will be used to characterize the effects of this expression which will determine whether expression of the protein alters the normal organization of septin structures and if these changes are associated with defects in the completion of cell division. 

This project will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate normal cell division. Disruption of these processes can contribute to cellular dysfunction and instability. Therefore, understanding the factors that regulate septin organization may provide a better look into the mechanisms that maintain normal cellular function and how alterations in cytoskeletal regulation can contribute to abnormal cell division. 

Video

Watch Makayla discuss her research project.