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Cytoplasmic intermediate filaments revealed as dynamic and multipurpose scaffolds

Nature Cell Biology volume 6, pages 699–706 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

Intermediate filaments are cytoskeletal polymers encoded by a large family of differentially expressed genes that provide crucial structural support in the cytoplasm and nucleus of higher eukaryotes. Perturbation of their function accounts for several genetically determined diseases in which fragile cells cannot sustain mechanical and non-mechanical stresses. Recent studies shed light on how this structural support is modulated to meet the changing needs of cells, and reveal a novel role whereby intermediate filaments influence cell growth and death through dynamic interactions with non-structural proteins.

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Figure 1: Major cellular functions of cytoplasmic intermediate filaments.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank C. Parent, B. Omary, and C. Jacobs-Wagner for their comments and members of the laboratory for their support. This effort was supported by grants AR42047 and AR44232 from the National Institutes of Health to P.A.C.

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  1. Department of Biological Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, MD, USA

    Pierre A. Coulombe & Pauline Wong

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Coulombe, P., Wong, P. Cytoplasmic intermediate filaments revealed as dynamic and multipurpose scaffolds. Nat Cell Biol 6, 699–706 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb0804-699

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