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Intermediate filaments and their associates: multi-talented structural elements specifying cytoarchitecture and
1Division of Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany. h.herrmann@dkfz-heidelberg.de
Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|February 19, 2000
Summary
Intermediate filaments (IFs) assemble with diverse proteins, forming cell-specific structures. While some IF proteins self-assemble, others require accessory proteins for filament formation and dynamic cytoarchitecture.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Intermediate filaments (IFs) are crucial cytoskeletal components.
- Their assembly involves numerous cell-type-specific IF-associated proteins.
- These proteins include integral membrane proteins, crosslinking proteins, and motor proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the assembly properties of various intermediate filament proteins.
- To understand the role of accessory proteins in IF formation.
- To elucidate the generation of cell-type-specific cytoarchitecture.
Main Methods:
- In vitro self-assembly assays for different IF proteins.
- In vivo studies to observe filament formation.
- Analysis of protein interactions and binding activities.
Main Results:
- Several IF proteins (vimentin, desmin, NF-L, nuclear lamins) self-assemble into IF-like polymers in vitro.
- Other IF proteins (NF-M, NF-H, nestin, synemin, paranemin) do not self-assemble in vitro or in vivo.
- IF proteins exhibit chemical heterogeneity, leading to distinct filament types and assembly kinetics.
Conclusions:
- IF assembly is a complex process involving both self-assembling and non-self-assembling proteins.
- Accessory proteins are critical for the formation of functional IF arrays.
- The interplay of IF proteins and accessory factors generates a dynamic, cell-type-specific cytoarchitecture.