Septin4 Protein is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Septin4 Protein is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
.infobox .infobox-protein [@septins]
Overview
SEPTIN4 (Septin 4), also known as ARTS (Apoptosis-Related protein in TGF-β signaling), is a member of the septin GTPase family that plays crucial roles in apoptosis regulation, cytoskeletal organization, and ciliary function. SEPTIN4 has been implicated in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA) due to its presence in Lewy bodies and its role in neuronal survival. The protein functions as a pro-apoptotic molecule that promotes cell death under specific stress conditions, and its dysregulation contributes to neurodegenerative processes.
Structure
SEPTIN4 has the characteristic septin domain architecture:
N-terminal Proline-Rich Region: Contains PXXP motifs for SH3 domain interactions
Polybasic Region: Basic region for membrane association and phosphoinositide binding
C-terminal Coiled-Coil Domain: Mediates septin-septin and septin-protein interactions
Septins form heterooligomeric complexes that assemble into filaments and rings, providing structural support and serving as diffusion barriers in cellular compartments.
Normal Function
SEPTIN4 participates in multiple cellular processes:
Apoptosis Regulation: Acts as a pro-apoptotic protein that translocates to mitochondria during apoptosis
Cytoskeletal Organization: Associates with actin and microtubule cytoskeleton
Ciliary Function: Involved in cilia formation and function in various cell types
[Mitochondrial Dynamics](/entities/mitochondrial-dynamics): Regulates mitochondrial fission and quality control
[Human Protein Atlas: SEPTIN4](https://www.proteinatlas.org/ENSG00000167037-SEPTIN4)
Background
The study of Septin4 Protein has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
References
[Unknown, SEPTIN4 in Parkinson's disease and Lewy bodies (n.d.)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15800189/))
[Unknown, Septins in apoptosis and cancer (n.d.)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18628956/))
[Unknown, SEPTIN4 in multiple system atrophy (n.d.)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21414776/))
[Unknown, Septin GTPases in neurodegeneration (n.d.)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24531075/))
[Unknown, SEPT4/ARTS in neuronal apoptosis (n.d.)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26297620/))
[Unknown, Lewy body composition and pathology (n.d.)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28495535/))