The important interplay between metal ions and the intermediate filament protein vimentin

Vimentin is a principal intermediate filament (IF) protein that is essential for maintaining cytoskeleton architecture and cellular mechanical integrity. Growing evidence is revealing that metal ions play critical roles in modulating the structure, assembly, and mechanics of vimentin IFs. Despite this, a detailed molecular-level understanding of vimentin-metal interactions and its functional consequences remains incomplete. This review summarizes the current knowledge of metal-induced effects on the structural and mechanical properties of vimentin and highlights how post-translational modifications and cytoskeletal dynamics may alter these metal-protein interactions. Advancing our understanding of the interplay between metal ions and vimentin IFs will enhance our comprehension of the complex mechanisms governing the versatile functions of vimentin and other IF proteins in health and disease.