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Networking and anchoring through plectin: a key to IF functionality and mechanotransduction
Gerhard Wiche1, Selma Osmanagic-Myers2, Maria J Castañón1
1Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Plectin is crucial for intermediate filament (IF) function, impacting cell integrity and stress response. This review highlights plectin
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Intermediate filaments (IFs) maintain cell and tissue integrity.
- Cytolinker proteins, particularly the plakin family, are vital for IF functions.
- Genetic and pathological studies reveal the importance of plakin proteins in cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of plectin in intermediate filament (IF) assembly and function.
- To highlight the consequences of impaired IF connectivity.
- To emphasize plectin's significance in cellular integrity and mechanotransduction.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature
- Analysis of patient pathologies
- Examination of genetic mouse models
Main Results:
- Plectin significantly influences IF assembly, interaction, compartmentalization, and linkage.
- Dysfunctional IFs, due to issues with proteins like plectin, have severe consequences.
- Plectin is essential for maintaining skin and muscle integrity, cell migration, and mechanotransduction.
Conclusions:
- Plectin is a key regulator of IF functionality.
- Proper IF connectivity, mediated by plectin, is critical for cellular and tissue health.
- Understanding plectin's role offers insights into diseases affecting IFs.
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