Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
06:02
Experimental Approaches for Biochemical Analysis of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Its Disease-associated Variants
Published on: November 28, 2025
Neurofilaments and glial filaments
1Department of Anatomy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, U.S.A.
Tissue & Cell
|January 1, 1970
Summary
Neurofilaments and glial filaments share similar structures but differ in subunit size, indicating they are distinct proteins. This comparison aids in understanding neuronal and glial cell components.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Protein Structure
Background:
- Neurofilaments and glial filaments are key intracellular structures in the nervous system.
- Understanding their structural similarities and differences is crucial for cell biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the structural organization of neurofilaments and glial filaments.
- To elucidate the relationship between their subunit composition and function.
Main Methods:
- Comparative structural analysis of neurofilaments and glial filaments.
- Detailed examination of filament subunit composition and arrangement.
Main Results:
- Both filament types exhibit a similar tubular arrangement of three subunits: a globule, interconnecting crossbar, and side-arms.
- The dimensions of these structural elements were determined for both filament types.
- A key difference was observed in the size of the subunits between neurofilaments and glial filaments.
Conclusions:
- The similar arrangement but differing subunit sizes strongly suggest that neurofilaments and glial filaments are composed of distinct proteins.
- This finding contributes to the differentiation of neuronal and glial cell structural components.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:31Types 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...
01:33Introduction 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...
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...
01:31Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells
Glia, or neuroglia, are vital support cells that assist neurons in their functions. The term "glia" originates from the Greek word for "glue," reflecting their role in holding the nervous system together. These cells can be categorized into six types: four in the central nervous system (CNS) and two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
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...
01:24Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm consists of organelles and a framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton suspended in an aqueous solution, the cytosol. The cytosol is a rich broth of water, ions, salts, and various organic molecules.
Protein Folding and Misfolding
The cytoplasm is the location for several cellular processes, including protein synthesis and folding. The aqueous nature of the cytosol promotes protein folding such that the hydrophobic amino acid side chains are buried in the protein...
Protein Folding and Misfolding
The cytoplasm is the location for several cellular processes, including protein synthesis and folding. The aqueous nature of the cytosol promotes protein folding such that the hydrophobic amino acid side chains are buried in the protein...