Septins are a family of conserved cytoskeletal GTPases implicated in a variety of cellular functions such as cytokinesis and vesicle trafficking. They polymerize into heterooligomeric protein complexes that form filaments, and can associate with cellular membranes, actin filaments and microtubules.
Septin 11 is expressed throughout the brain. Highest levels can be detected in the spiny branchlets of Purkinje cells, in the molecular layer of cerebellum and in the olfactory bulb.
Septin 11 probably plays an important role in the cytoarchitecture of neurons, including dendritic arborization and dendritic spines.
A quite high degree of co-localization of Septin 11 with GABAergic synapses suggests its involvement in GABAergic synaptic connectivity.