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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...
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...
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.
Structure and Organization of Smooth Muscles01:13

Structure and Organization of Smooth Muscles

Smooth muscle tissue is a type of muscle tissue that can be found lining various vital organs in the human body, including the lungs, blood vessels, digestive tract, and respiratory tract. This type of tissue is responsible for regulating the movements of these organs, playing crucial roles in the functioning of various systems, including the vascular, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems.
Structure of smooth muscle cell
Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped with tapering ends and a...
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...
Smooth Muscle Contraction01:25

Smooth Muscle Contraction

Smooth muscle contraction is a complex process vital for various bodily functions, from maintaining blood vessel tension to facilitating the movement of food through the digestive tract. Unlike striated muscles, smooth muscle contraction begins more slowly and lasts longer.
The onset of contraction is triggered by an increase in calcium ions within the sarcoplasm, similar to the process in striated muscle. However, smooth muscles have a relatively smaller reservoir of the sarcoplasmic...

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Intermediate filaments in smooth muscle.

Dale D Tang1

  • 1Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA. tangd@mail.amc.edu

American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology
|February 8, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Smooth muscle intermediate filaments (IFs), like vimentin and desmin, are crucial for force generation. This review explores their dynamic nature and role in regulating smooth muscle function and signaling.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Muscle Physiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Intermediate filaments (IFs) are a key cytoskeletal component in smooth muscle cells.
  • Vimentin and desmin are major type III IF proteins in smooth muscle, essential for contractile function.
  • The IF network was traditionally considered static but is now recognized as dynamic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure and properties of IF proteins in smooth muscle.
  • To elucidate the role of IFs in modulating smooth muscle force development.
  • To summarize current knowledge on IF network regulation in smooth muscle.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on smooth muscle IFs.
  • Analysis of the functional roles of vimentin and desmin.
  • Examination of IF protein interactions with signaling molecules like CAS.

Main Results:

  • Lack of vimentin or desmin significantly impairs smooth muscle contractility.
  • IFs play a role in the translocation of signaling partners, such as p130 Crk-associated substrate (CAS).
  • The IF network in smooth muscle is dynamic and responsive to external stimuli.

Conclusions:

  • IF proteins are critical for smooth muscle force development and cellular integrity.
  • The dynamic nature of IFs suggests active roles in signal transduction and cellular regulation.
  • Further research into IF network regulation is needed to fully understand smooth muscle function.