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Related Concept Videos

The Structure of Intermediate Filaments01:19

The 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...
Formation of Intermediate Filaments00:57

Formation 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.
Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

Adaptability 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...
Types of Intermediate Filaments01:31

Types 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...
Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:18

Assembly 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...
Introduction to the Cytoskeleton01:33

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton

Overview of the Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶   microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their homologs were...

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Purification and Quality Control of Recombinant Septin Complexes for Cell-Free Reconstitution
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Intermediate filaments: versatile building blocks of cell structure.

Robert D Goldman1, Boris Grin, Melissa G Mendez

  • 1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. r-goldman@northwestern.edu

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|January 8, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Cytoskeletal intermediate filaments (IF) form a dynamic cellular network crucial for mechanical responses and signal transport. Their unique assembly and flexibility allow cells to withstand stress and organize internal structures.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Cytoskeleton Dynamics

Background:

  • Cytoskeletal intermediate filaments (IF) form a dynamic nanofibrillar network throughout mammalian cells.
  • This network is vital for transducing mechanical signals and scaffolding other signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural organization and mechanical properties of intermediate filaments.
  • To understand the role of intermediate filaments in cellular mechanics and intracellular organization.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of intermediate filament assembly, including co-translation and hierarchical organization.
  • Atomic force microscopy to probe the mechanical properties of mature intermediate filaments.

Main Results:

  • Intermediate filaments exhibit hierarchical assembly from precursors to mature apolar filaments.
  • Mature IF are highly flexible, capable of stretching over 300% without breaking, indicating subunit sliding.
  • Intermediate filaments organize organelles and modulate their motility.

Conclusions:

  • Intermediate filaments possess unique mechanical properties enabling cellular response to stress.
  • Their dynamic assembly and structural roles are critical for cell mechanics, signaling, and organelle organization.