The dynamic and motile properties of intermediate filaments

Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 2003:19:445-67. doi: 10.1146/annurev.cellbio.19.111401.092306.

Abstract

For many years, cytoplasmic intermediate filaments (IFs) were considered to be stable cytoskeletal elements contributing primarily to the maintenance of the structural and mechanical integrity of cells. However, recent studies of living cells have revealed that IFs and their precursors possess a remarkably wide array of dynamic and motile properties. These properties are in large part due to interactions with molecular motors such as conventional kinesin, cytoplasmic dynein, and myosin. The association between IFs and motors appears to account for much of the well-documented molecular cross talk between IFs and the other major cytoskeletal elements, microtubules, and actin-containing microfilaments. Furthermore, the associations with molecular motors are also responsible for the high-speed, targeted delivery of nonfilamentous IF protein cargo to specific regions of the cytoplasm where they polymerize into IFs. This review considers the functional implications of the motile properties of IFs and discusses the potential relationships between malfunctions in these motile activities and human diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Cytoplasmic Streaming / physiology*
  • Cytoskeleton / physiology
  • Humans
  • Intermediate Filaments / metabolism*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / physiology*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / physiology
  • Protein Transport / physiology

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins