Septins regulate the equatorial dynamics of the separation initiation network kinase Sid2p and glucan synthases to ensure proper cytokinesis.

Septins generally function as scaffolds and as cortical barriers to restrict the diffusion of membrane proteins. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, septins form a ring structure at the septum after spindle breakdown during the constriction of the contractile actomyosin ring (CAR) and serve as a scaffold to recruit glucanases to mediate ultimate daughter cell separation. Despite this, it remains unclear if septins play any significant roles before the cell separation during cytokinesis. Employing live cell microscopy, we carefully examined SIN (Septation Initiation Network) signaling and glucan synthases, two key factors ensuring proper function of the CAR. In the absence of the core septin component Spn1p, the formation of a compact CAR is advanced and the CAR constriction rate is slightly but significantly decreased. Moreover, the SIN kinase Sid2p and the glucan synthases Bgs1p and Ags1p form an equatorial ring quite prematurely, but their maintenance at the equatorial region is diminished spn1Δ cells. These findings suggest that septins act as key players in an accurate establishment and the maintenance of CAR by orchestrating the equatorial dynamics of Sid2p and glucan synthases. Hence, this work demonstrates that, in addition to their function during ultimate cell septation, septins have important roles in regulating earlier cytokinetic events, including CAR assembly and constriction, SIN signaling, and the cortical dynamics of the glucan synthases.