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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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A Direct Force Probe for Measuring Mechanical Integration Between the Nucleus and the Cytoskeleton
Published on: July 29, 2018
Intermediate filaments: from cell architecture to nanomechanics
Harald Herrmann1, Harald Bär, Laurent Kreplak
1B065 Functional Architecture of the Cell, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. h.herrmann@dkfz-heidelberg.de
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|June 7, 2007
Summary
Intermediate filaments (IFs) are key structural components in animal cells, acting as mechanical stress absorbers. Their nanomechanical properties are crucial for cell function and implicated in diseases like muscular dystrophy and premature aging.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Intermediate filaments (IFs) are essential structural proteins in animal cells, forming nuclear and cytoplasmic networks.
- Their primary roles are mechanical stress absorption and cytoskeleton integration.
- Recent studies link IF protein mutations to diseases, highlighting their nanomechanical importance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanical properties of intermediate filaments (IFs).
- To understand the role of IFs in cell-type-specific physiological functions.
- To investigate the link between IF nanomechanics and disease pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of disease mutations in human IF proteins.
- Investigation of cell-type-specific IF properties.
- Biophysical characterization of IFs.
Main Results:
- Mutations in IF proteins reveal the critical role of their nanomechanical properties in disease.
- IFs are involved in cell-type-specific physiological functions beyond mechanical support.
- The study underscores the link between IF structure, mechanics, and cellular health.
Conclusions:
- Intermediate filaments are crucial for cellular integrity and function.
- The nanomechanics of IFs are central to understanding various diseases.
- IFs play vital roles in cell-type-specific physiological processes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19The Structure of Intermediate Filaments
The intermediate filaments are one of three widely studied cytoskeletal filaments. They are so named as their diameter (10 nm) is in between that of microfilaments (7 nm) and the microtubules (25 nm). These filaments are highly stable and can remain intact when exposed to high salt concentrations and detergents. These filaments are responsible for providing stability and mechanical support to the cells. They also help in cell adhesion and maintaining tissue integrity.
Intermediate filaments...
Intermediate filaments...
00:57Formation of Intermediate Filaments
Intermediate filaments are cytoskeletal proteins with higher tensile strength and flexibility than microfilaments and microtubules. Unlike the other two cytoskeletal proteins, intermediate filament formation lacks the enzymatic activity to hydrolyze nucleotides like ATP and GTP to generate energy for polymerization. Therefore, the formation of intermediate filaments is multistep self-assembly. The involvement of any accessory proteins in intermediate filament formation has not yet been reported.
01:31Types of Intermediate Filaments
The intermediate filaments are an essential component of the cytoskeleton. Presently six types of intermediate filament have been identified. Type I and II are acidic and basic keratin proteins. Type III is of mesodermal origin and comprises four proteins: vimentin, desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and peripherin. Vimentin is commonly found in mesenchymal cells, desmin in muscle cells, GFAP in astrocytes, while peripherin is found in peripheral nervous system neurons (PNS). Type...
01:12Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments
The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...
01:18Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments
Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...
01:35Disassembly of Intermediate Filaments
Intermediate filaments (IFs) do not undergo spontaneous disassembly. Enzymes, kinases, and phosphatases add and remove phosphates from specific sites to regulate their disassembly. The IF concentration in the cytoplasm also regulates the disassembly. If the concentration crosses a threshold, it activates the protein kinases in the vicinity, allowing the phosphorylation of IFs.
Keratin proteins, found at the cell periphery near cell junctions, undergo a cycle of assembly and disassembly. In Type...
Keratin proteins, found at the cell periphery near cell junctions, undergo a cycle of assembly and disassembly. In Type...