{
  "id": 6414739,
  "title": "Nim1-related kinases regulate septin organization and cytokinesis by modulating Hof1 at the cell division site",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/nim1-related-kinases-regulate-septin-organization-and-cytokinesis-by",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-09T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "eLife",
    "slug": "elife",
    "url": "https://elifesciences.org/articles/106366"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Septin scaffolds play a crucial role in organizing actomyosin ring components during cell division, ensuring that cytokinesis proceeds smoothly. While the Elm1, Gin4, Hsl1, and Kcc4 kinases are known to stabilize and regulate septin architecture at the bud neck, the specific mechanisms behind their functions are not fully understood. A detailed examination of these kinases provides new insights into how they regulate cytokinesis and reveals redundancies within the septin kinase network in the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae.\n\nResearchers have found that Elm1 and Gin4 are particularly important for maintaining septin stability and architectural transitions during the cell cycle. Their analysis reveals that Elm1 and Gin4 contribute to actomyosin ring (AMR) organization and constriction during the critical stage of cytokinesis. In addition to their roles in septin regulation, Elm1 and Gin4 demonstrate an unexpected mode of control over AMR organization and anchoring of Hof1, a F-BAR protein, at the bud neck. This regulation occurs through Gin4 directly interacting with Hof1 via its C-terminal membrane-binding kinase associated-1 (KA1) domain.\n\nInterestingly, Gin4 also controls septin organization and AMR constriction independently of its kinase activity, similar to Elm1. This kinase-independent regulation underscores the importance of Hsl1 in maintaining septin organization and cell shape, working in tandem with Elm1, Gin4, and Kcc4. Hsl1's function is downstream of Elm1, and its membrane-binding KA1 domain is critical for its role in controlling septin organization and cytokinesis.\n\nThe findings from this study highlight the redundancy and adaptability of the septin kinase network, shedding light on how multiple kinases work together to ensure proper cytokinesis. By understanding these intricate regulatory mechanisms, researchers can gain valuable insights into the fundamental processes that govern cell division in yeast and potentially apply this knowledge to other organisms.",
  "summary": "The septin scaffold recruits and organizes actomyosin ring (AMR) components; thus, ensuring faithful cytokinesis. The septin-associated kinases – Elm1, Gin4, Hsl1, and Kcc4 are thought to stabilize and regulate the septin architecture at the bud neck, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we present a comprehensive, quantitative analysis of these four septin-associated…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}