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Updated: May 7, 2026
09:29
Isolation of Intermediate Filament Proteins from Multiple Mouse Tissues to Study Aging-associated Post-translational Modifications
Published on: May 18, 2017
Posttranslational modifications of desmin and their implication in biological processes and pathologies
Daniel L Winter1, Denise Paulin, Mathias Mericskay
1Department of Aging, Stress and Inflammation, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Univ Paris 6), Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France, daniel.winter@pasteur.fr.
Histochemistry and Cell Biology
|October 5, 2013
Summary
Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) regulate desmin filaments, crucial for muscle structure and function. Understanding these desmin PTMs offers insights into muscle diseases and potential therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Muscle biology
- Cellular structure
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Desmin is a muscle-specific intermediate filament protein.
- Desmin is implicated in myofibrillar myopathies, dilated cardiomyopathy, and muscle wasting.
- Desmin undergoes various posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and nonenzymatic modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review findings on desmin PTMs and their roles in biological processes and pathologies.
- To discuss the regulation of the desmin network by PTMs.
- To highlight the potential of advanced tools for studying desminopathies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on desmin PTMs.
- Analysis of identified PTM target residues and modifying enzymes.
- Discussion of the functional consequences of desmin modifications.
Main Results:
- Phosphorylation and ADP-ribosylation of desmin lead to filament disassembly.
- Ubiquitylation targets desmin for degradation.
- Desmin PTMs are involved in myogenesis, muscle contraction, atrophy, and cell division.
Conclusions:
- The desmin filament network acts as a scaffold regulated by PTMs, impacting muscle cell structure and function.
- PTMs play a critical role in desmin-related myopathies (desminopathies).
- Further research utilizing advanced imaging and PTM analysis tools is recommended for desminopathies.
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