Nim1-related kinases regulate septin organization and cytokinesis by modulating Hof1 at the cell division site.

Elm1 and Gin4 kinases are essential for septin stability and actomyosin ring organization during cytokinesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with Gin4 directly interacting with Hof1.

• Why it matters: Understanding how septin-associated kinases regulate cytokinesis is crucial because it ensures accurate cell division, yet their precise mechanisms remain poorly understood, limiting insights into cell cycle control.
• What they did: The study conducted a comprehensive quantitative analysis of four kinases—Elm1, Gin4, Hsl1, and Kcc4—and used GFP-GBP tethering assays to investigate their roles in septin organization, AMR constriction, and Hof1 anchoring.
• The result: Findings reveal that Elm1 and Gin4 regulate cytokinesis through both kinase-dependent and -independent pathways, with Hsl1 acting downstream, highlighting the redundancy and adaptability of the septin kinase network in cell division.