Beyond structure: do intermediate filaments modulate cell signalling?
Intermediate filament (IF) proteins form the largest family of cytoskeletal proteins in mammalian cells. The function of these proteins has long been thought to be only structural. However, this single function does not explain their diverse tissue- and differentiation-specific expression patterns. Evidence is now emerging that IF also act as an important framework for the modulation and control of essential cell processes, in particular, signal transduction events. Here, we review the most recent developments in this growing and exciting new field.
Paramio
Jesus M
JM
Project on Cell and Molecular Biology and Gene Therapy, CIEMAT, Ave. Complutense 22, E-28040 Madrid, Spain. jl.jorcano@ciemat.es
Jorcano
José L
JL
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003893:Desmin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D007633:Keratins / Q000737:chemistry; D008954:Models, Biological; D008957:Models, Genetic; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D015398:Signal Transduction; D014746:Vimentin / Q000378:metabolism
D003893:Desmin; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins; D014746:Vimentin; D007633:Keratins