Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
09:29
Isolation of Intermediate Filament Proteins from Multiple Mouse Tissues to Study Aging-associated Post-translational Modifications
Published on: May 18, 2017
Providing cellular signposts--post-translational modifications of intermediate filaments
Claire L Hyder1, Hanna-Mari Pallari, Vitaly Kochin
1Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, P.O. Box 123, FIN-20521, Turku, Finland.
FEBS Letters
|May 27, 2008
Summary
Intermediate filaments are regulated by post-translational modifications, which control their dynamics and signaling roles. Emerging research reveals diverse modifications beyond phosphorylation are crucial for cellular functions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intermediate filaments (IFs) are key cytoskeletal components.
- Their dynamics and organization are regulated by post-translational modifications (PTMs).
- PTMs are increasingly recognized for roles beyond structural regulation, including signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving understanding of PTMs in regulating intermediate filament function.
- To highlight the expansion of PTM roles from structural dynamics to signaling.
- To emphasize the emerging complexity of intermediate filament-mediated signaling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of recent research findings.
- Analysis of studies on phosphorylation and other PTMs of intermediate filaments.
- Integration of data on signaling molecule interactions with intermediate filaments.
Main Results:
- Phosphorylation is the primary PTM regulating intermediate filament (IF) function.
- PTMs also recruit and sequester signaling molecules, impacting cellular functions.
- Multiple, co-operative PTMs add complexity to IF-mediated signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Intermediate filament regulation is complex, involving diverse PTMs.
- PTMs are critical for integrating cytoskeletal structure with cellular signaling.
- Further research into non-phosphorylative PTMs will deepen understanding of IFs.
Related Concept Videos
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...
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...
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.
01:19The 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...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...