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SEPTIN6 Gene
SEPTIN6 Gene
<div class="infobox infobox-gene">
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2" style="background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center; font-size:1.1em;">Septin 6</th></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Gene Symbol</strong></td><td>SEPTIN6</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Full Name</strong></td><td>Septin 6</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Aliases</strong></td><td>SEPT6, KIAA0128</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Chromosome</strong></td><td>Xq24</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>NCBI Gene ID</strong></td><td>[23157](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/23157)</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>OMIM</strong></td><td>300503</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Ensembl ID</strong></td><td>ENSG00000125354</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>UniProt ID</strong></td><td>[Q9NRF8](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9NRF8)</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Gene Type</strong></td><td>Protein Coding</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Protein Length</strong></td><td>410 amino acids</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Molecular Weight</strong></td><td>46.2 kDa</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Associated Diseases</strong></td><td>Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, ALS, Cancer, Intellectual Disability</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
Introduction
...
SEPTIN6 Gene
<div class="infobox infobox-gene">
<table>
<tr><th colspan="2" style="background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center; font-size:1.1em;">Septin 6</th></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Gene Symbol</strong></td><td>SEPTIN6</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Full Name</strong></td><td>Septin 6</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Aliases</strong></td><td>SEPT6, KIAA0128</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Chromosome</strong></td><td>Xq24</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>NCBI Gene ID</strong></td><td>[23157](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/23157)</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>OMIM</strong></td><td>300503</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Ensembl ID</strong></td><td>ENSG00000125354</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>UniProt ID</strong></td><td>[Q9NRF8](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9NRF8)</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Gene Type</strong></td><td>Protein Coding</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Protein Length</strong></td><td>410 amino acids</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Molecular Weight</strong></td><td>46.2 kDa</td></tr>
<tr><td><strong>Associated Diseases</strong></td><td>Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, ALS, Cancer, Intellectual Disability</td></tr>
</table>
</div>
Introduction
SEPTIN6 (Septin 6), also known as SEPT6 or KIAA0128, is a critical member of the septin GTP-binding protein family that plays essential roles in cytokinesis, cellular organization, and neuronal function. As an X-linked septin, SEPTIN6 forms heterooligomeric complexes with other septins, particularly SEPT2, SEPT7, and SEPT9, to create filamentous structures that serve as diffusion barriers, scaffolds, and organizers of cellular compartments[@kinoshita2003][@sellin2011].
SEPTIN6 is ubiquitously expressed with particularly high levels in the brain, where it localizes to synaptic terminals, [dendritic spines](/mechanisms/dendritic-spines), and various neuronal compartments. It has been increasingly recognized as a player in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis, with roles in [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease), [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), and other neurodegenerative conditions[@baba2019].
The protein's involvement in synaptic vesicle clustering, axonal transport, and dendritic spine morphogenesis highlights its importance in maintaining neuronal function. Additionally, SEPTIN6's role in protein aggregation diseases and its interaction with disease-associated proteins make it a subject of increasing research interest.
Gene Structure and Evolution
Genomic Organization
The SEPTIN6 gene is located on the X chromosome at Xq24 and spans approximately 12 kb. It contains 11 exons encoding a 410-amino acid protein. The gene is conserved across mammals, with orthologs identified in mouse, rat, and other vertebrates. The X-linked nature of SEPTIN6 means that hemizygous males express only one allele, potentially influencing disease susceptibility.
Evolutionary Conservation
SEPTIN6 shows moderate conservation among septins, with the GTP-binding domain being most conserved. Phylogenetic analysis groups SEPTIN6 with SEPT2, SEPT7, and SEPT9 in a subfamily that forms the core of septin heterooligomers.
Protein Structure and Biochemistry
Domain Architecture
SEPTIN6 possesses the canonical septin domain structure:
GTP Binding and Hydrolysis
SEPTIN6 exhibits GTP-binding and GTPase activity essential for:
- Septin filament assembly
- Protein complex formation
- Cellular localization dynamics
The GTP-bound state promotes septin polymerization, while GTP hydrolysis triggers disassembly and recycling of septin complexes[@toth2012].
Higher-Order Assembly
SEPTIN6 forms heterooligomeric complexes with other septins:
- Typically forms trimeric or tetrameric complexes
- Co-assembles with SEPT2, SEPT7, and SEPT9
- Further assembles into filaments and higher-order structures
- Creates diffusion barriers in cellular compartments
Biological Functions
Cellular Functions
Cytokinesis
SEPTIN6 plays essential roles in cytokinesis:
- Localizes to the contractile ring during cell division
- Forms the diffusion barrier at the cleavage furrow
- Ensures proper chromosome segregation
- Prevents mixing of daughter cell components
Membrane Domain Organization
SEPTIN6 organizes specialized membrane domains:
- Creates diffusion barriers between cellular compartments
- Maintains polarity domains
- Organizes specialized membrane regions
Neuronal Functions
Synaptic Vesicle Clustering
In presynaptic terminals, SEPTIN6:
- Organizes synaptic vesicle pools
- Clusters vesicles at active zones
- Regulates vesicle availability for release
- Modulates release probability[@moon2014]
Dendritic Spine Morphogenesis
SEPTIN6 contributes to [dendritic spine](/mechanisms/dendritic-spines) development:
- Controls spine formation during development
- Maintains spine stability
- Regulates spine head morphology
- Affects postsynaptic density organization
Axonal Transport
SEPTIN6 participates in axonal transport:
- Associates with transport vesicles
- Regulates cargo movement along microtubules
- Influences distribution of synaptic proteins
Neurotransmitter Release
SEPTIN6 modulates neurotransmitter release:
- Interacts with SNARE complex proteins
- Regulates vesicle fusion kinetics
- Affects short-term plasticity
Studies show SEPTIN6 knockdown reduces evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents[@patel2020].
Signaling Pathways
SEPTIN6 participates in several signaling cascades:
- MAPK signaling: Modulates MAP kinase pathways
- PI3K/Akt pathway: Affects cell survival signaling
- Calcium signaling: Modulates calcium-dependent processes
Expression Pattern
Tissue Distribution
SEPTIN6 is expressed in most tissues:
- Brain: Highest expression in neurons
- Hematopoietic cells: Present in various blood cell types
- Epithelial tissues: Moderate expression in polarized epithelia
- Proliferating cells: Upregulated during cell division
Brain Expression
In the brain, SEPTIN6 shows high expression in:
- Cerebral [cortex](/brain-regions/cortex) (layers V-VI)
- [Hippocampus](/brain-regions/hippocampus) (CA1-CA3)
- Cerebellum (Purkinje cells)
- Striatum
Cellular Localization
In neurons, SEPTIN6 localizes to:
- Synaptic terminals (presynaptic active zones)
- Axons and dendrites
- [Dendritic spines](/mechanisms/dendritic-spines)
- Golgi apparatus
Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alzheimer's Disease
SEPTIN6 dysregulation contributes to AD pathogenesis through multiple mechanisms:
Synaptic Pathology
SEPTIN6 plays critical roles in synaptic function that are compromised in AD:
- Loss of SEPTIN6 from synapses correlates with cognitive decline
- Altered septin organization in AD synapses contributes to dysfunction
- SEPTIN6 regulates synaptic vesicle pools that are depleted in AD
Tau Pathology
SEPTIN6 may interact with [tau](/proteins/tau) phosphorylation pathways:
- Co-localizes with neurofibrillary tangles in some cases
- May influence tau aggregation
- Could affect tau spreading between neurons[@kim2022]
Amyloid Interaction
[A-beta](/proteins/amyloid-beta) affects SEPTIN6 dynamics:
- A-beta oligomers alter septin localization
- May disrupt SEPTIN6-containing diffusion barriers
- Contributes to synaptic dysfunction
Parkinson's Disease
In PD, SEPTIN6 contributes to:
Alpha-Synuclein Interactions
SEPTIN6 interacts with [alpha-synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein):
- May be recruited to Lewy bodies
- Could influence aggregation dynamics
- May contribute to synaptic dysfunction[@suzuki2024]
Mitochondrial Dysfunction
SEPTIN6 affects mitochondrial pathways:
- May influence mitochondrial dynamics
- Could affect energy metabolism in neurons
- Contributes to dopaminergic neuron vulnerability
Autophagy Regulation
SEPTIN6 participates in [autophagy](/entities/autophagy):
- Regulates protein aggregate clearance
- Dysfunction leads to accumulation of aggregates
- Contributes to neurodegeneration
Huntington's Disease
SEPTIN6 is implicated in HD:
- Recruited to mutant huntingtin aggregates
- Contributes to aggregate formation
- May sequester functional SEPTIN6
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
SEPTIN6 has been implicated in ALS:
- Detected in motor neuron inclusions
- May contribute to protein aggregate formation
- Could affect motor neuron function
Disease Associations
| Disease | Evidence Level | Proposed Mechanism |
|---------|----------------|-------------------|
| Alzheimer's Disease | Strong | Synaptic dysfunction, tau interaction |
| Parkinson's Disease | Moderate | Alpha-synuclein interaction |
| Huntington's Disease | Moderate | Aggregate formation |
| ALS | Moderate | Motor neuron protein aggregates |
| Cancer | Strong | Altered cytokinesis |
| Intellectual Disability | Moderate | Impaired neuronal development |
Interacting Partners
| Protein | Interaction Type | Functional Relevance |
|---------|------------------|----------------------|
| SEPT2 | Complex formation | Filament assembly |
| SEPT7 | Complex formation | Filament assembly |
| SEPT9 | Complex formation | Filament assembly |
| Syntaxin | Binding | Synaptic function regulation |
| SNARE proteins | Interaction | Exocytosis control |
| Actin | Binding | Cytoskeletal organization |
| Microtubules | Binding | Transport regulation |
| Tau | Binding | AD pathology |
| Alpha-synuclein | Binding | PD pathology |
Therapeutic Implications
Therapeutic Targets
Biomarker Potential
SEPTIN6 in cerebrospinal fluid may serve as:
- Disease progression marker
- Treatment response indicator
- Diagnostic tool for neurodegeneration[@liu2023]
Allen Brain Atlas Data
SEPTIN6 shows moderate to high expression in the human brain based on Allen Human Brain Atlas data, with particularly strong expression in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. In neurons, SEPTIN6 is localized to synaptic regions, consistent with its role in synaptic vesicle clustering and neurotransmitter release. Single-cell expression data from the Allen Brain Cell Atlas indicates SEPTIN6 is expressed in various neuronal populations including excitatory pyramidal neurons and inhibitory interneurons, as well as in some glial cell types. The expression pattern supports SEPTIN6's involvement in synaptic function and its potential role in neurodegenerative diseases affecting synaptic integrity.
Resources:
- [Allen Brain Atlas Gene Expression](https://human.brain-map.org/gene/show?gene_id=ENSG00000125354)
- [Allen Brain Cell Atlas - SEPTIN6](https://celltype.brain-science.org/)
Animal Models
Knockout Models
Septin6 knockout mice show:
- Growth retardation
- Reduced fertility
- Neurological abnormalities
- Variable phenotypes depending on genetic background
Transgenic Models
Transgenic models expressing mutant SEPTIN6:
- Recapitulate aspects of neurodegenerative disease
- Show synaptic dysfunction
- Display cognitive deficits
See Also
- [SEPT2](/genes/sept2) — Core septin partner
- [SEPT4](/genes/sept4) — Neuron-specific septin in PD
- [SEPT7](/genes/sept7) — Essential septin for filament formation
- [Tau](/proteins/tau) — AD protein
- [Alpha-Synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein) — PD protein
- [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) — AD overview
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease) — PD overview
- [Cytoskeleton](/mechanisms/cytoskeleton) — Cellular structure
- [Synaptic Transmission](/mechanisms/synaptic-transmission) — Synapse biology
- [Protein Aggregation](/mechanisms/protein-aggregation) — Aggregation mechanisms
External Links
- [NCBI Gene - SEPTIN6](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/23157)
- [UniProt - Q9NRF8](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9NRF8)
- [GeneCards - SEPTIN6](https://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?gene=SEPTIN6)
- [Ensembl - ENSG00000125354](https://www.ensembl.org/)
- [OMIM - SEPTIN6](https://www.omim.org/entry/300503)
References
▸Metadataorigin_type: v1_polymorphic_backfill
| slug | genes-septin6 |
| kg_node_id | SEPTIN6 |
| entity_type | gene |
| origin_type | v1_polymorphic_backfill |
| source_table | wiki_pages |
| wiki_page_id | wp-3157602e14ec |
| __merged_from | {'merged_at': '2026-05-13', 'unprefixed_id': 'genes-septin6'} |
| _schema_version | 1 |
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