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Related Concept Videos

The Structure of Intermediate Filaments01:19

The Structure of Intermediate Filaments

3.9K
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...
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Formation of Intermediate Filaments00:57

Formation of Intermediate Filaments

2.9K
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...
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Types of Intermediate Filaments01:31

Types of Intermediate Filaments

3.6K
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...
3.6K
Disassembly of Intermediate Filaments01:35

Disassembly of Intermediate Filaments

2.0K
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...
2.0K
Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:18

Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments

18.6K
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...
18.6K
Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

3.7K
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...
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Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Imaging Intermediate Filaments and Microtubules with 2-dimensional Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy
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Imaging Intermediate Filaments and Microtubules with 2-dimensional Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy

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Intermediate filaments at a glance.

Leila S Coelho-Rato1,2, Sepideh Parvanian1,2,3, Sarka Andrs Salajkova4

  • 1Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland.

Journal of Cell Science
|August 29, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Intermediate filaments (IFs) are crucial cytoskeletal proteins with diverse roles beyond structure. IFs are implicated in over 100 diseases, highlighting their clinical relevance as potential biomarkers.

Keywords:
Cell fateClassification and functionCytoskeletonDiseaseIntermediate filamentsStructure

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Using Microfluidics and Fluorescence Microscopy to Study the Assembly Dynamics of Single Actin Filaments and Bundles
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Using Microfluidics and Fluorescence Microscopy to Study the Assembly Dynamics of Single Actin Filaments and Bundles
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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Intermediate filaments (IFs) are a major class of cytoskeletal proteins.
  • They are characterized by tissue-specific expression and diverse cellular functions.
  • Dysfunction of IFs is linked to numerous human diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the established classes and general features of IFs.
  • To discuss IF functions beyond structural support, including roles in mechanical signaling.
  • To highlight recent advances, disease associations, and clinical potential of IFs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research on intermediate filaments.
  • Analysis of established IF classes, functions, and disease connections.
  • Discussion of emerging research and future directions in the IF field.

Main Results:

  • IFs possess diverse functions including structural integrity, mechanical support, and signaling.
  • Over 100 human diseases are associated with defects in intermediate filament proteins.
  • IFs show potential as clinical markers for various pathological conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Intermediate filaments are critical multifunctional cytoskeletal components.
  • Understanding IFs is essential for comprehending numerous diseases.
  • Further research into IFs may yield novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.