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Related Concept Videos

Types of Intermediate Filaments01:31

Types of Intermediate Filaments

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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...
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The Structure of Intermediate Filaments01:19

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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

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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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Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

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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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Disassembly of Intermediate Filaments01:35

Disassembly of Intermediate Filaments

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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...
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Introduction to the Cytoskeleton01:33

Introduction to the Cytoskeleton

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Overview of the Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments present within the cell, having three distinct filaments ̶   microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Each has characteristic features that distinguish them, including the dynamics of their assembly and disassembly, mechanical properties, polarity, and the type of molecular motors associated with them. Earlier, they were thought to be present only in eukaryotic cells; however, their...
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Quantifying Cytoskeleton Dynamics Using Differential Dynamic Microscopy
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Vimentin Intermediate Filaments: A Paradigm Shift From Static Structure to Dynamic Cytoplasmic Network.

Bhuvanasundar Renganathan1, Stephen A Adam1, Vladimir I Gelfand1

  • 1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.

Bioessays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
|March 16, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Vimentin intermediate filaments (VIFs) are dynamic polymers crucial for cell structure and function. Recent research reveals their adaptability and integration with other cytoskeletal networks, impacting cell mechanics and disease.

Keywords:
Vimentin intermediate filamentscytoskeletal crosstalkfilament dynamics and organelle positioningintracellular transport

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Isolation of Intermediate Filament Proteins from Multiple Mouse Tissues to Study Aging-associated Post-translational Modifications
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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Cytoskeletal Dynamics

Background:

  • Vimentin intermediate filaments (VIFs) are key cytoskeletal components.
  • Their role in cellular mechanics and organization is under active investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on VIFs.
  • To discuss VIFs' dynamic interactions within the cytoskeleton.
  • To propose a model for VIF cellular transport.

Main Methods:

  • Live-cell imaging
  • Super-resolution microscopy
  • Labeling techniques
  • Cryo-electron microscopy

Main Results:

  • VIFs are adaptable polymers enabling mechanical stability and remodeling.
  • VIFs form dynamic networks with actin and microtubules.
  • VIFs influence organelle positioning and cellular behavior.

Conclusions:

  • VIFs integrate cytoskeletal organization and intracellular logistics.
  • Understanding VIFs has implications for cell mechanics, migration, and disease.
  • A hybrid transport model aids in understanding VIF interactions.