Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2025
12:26
Identification of Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 Specific Phosphorylation Sites by an In Vitro Kinase Assay
Published on: May 3, 2018
18.7K
Influence of phosphorylation on intermediate filaments
Julia Kraxner1,2, Sarah Köster3,4
1Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, D-13125 Berlin, Germany.
Biological Chemistry
|April 19, 2023
Summary
Intermediate filaments (IFs) undergo phosphorylation, altering their charge. This modification is crucial for diverse cellular functions like network remodeling and cell migration.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The eukaryotic cytoskeleton comprises actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments (IFs).
- Intermediate filaments are particularly susceptible to phosphorylation, introducing charge modifications to amino acids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the functional implications of altered charge patterns on intermediate filaments due to phosphorylation.
- To investigate the role of IF phosphorylation in various cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reconstituted protein systems.
- Employed experiments in living cells.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that altered charge patterns on IFs are fundamental to diverse cellular functions.
- Identified roles in reversible filament assembly, filament softening, and network remodeling.
- Showcased involvement in cell migration, protein interactions, and biochemical signaling.
Conclusions:
- Phosphorylation-induced charge alterations in intermediate filaments are key regulators of cellular mechanics and signaling.
- These modifications enable dynamic cellular processes essential for cell function and survival.
Related Concept Videos
01:35Disassembly of Intermediate Filaments
2.1K
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...
2.1K
00:57Formation of Intermediate Filaments
3.1K
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...
3.1K
01:19The Structure of Intermediate Filaments
4.1K
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...
Intermediate...
4.1K
01:39Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
2.4K
Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
2.4K
01:12Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments
3.8K
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...
3.8K
01:31Types of Intermediate Filaments
3.7K
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...
3.7K