Intermediate filaments mediate cytoskeletal crosstalk.
Intermediate filaments, actin-containing microfilaments and microtubules are the three main cytoskeletal systems of vertebrate and many invertebrate cells. Although these systems are composed of distinctly different proteins, they are in constant and intimate communication with one another. Understanding the molecular basis of this cytoskeletal crosstalk is essential for determining the mechanisms that underlie many cell-biological phenomena. Recent studies have revealed that intermediate filaments and their associated proteins are important components in mediating this crosstalk.
Chang
Lynne
L
Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. l-chang1@northwestern.edu
Goldman
Robert D
RD
D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology*; D007382:Intermediate Filaments / Q000502:physiology*; D008870:Microtubules / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*