Intermediate filaments and their associated molecules.

Abstract

Intermediate filaments (IFs) in human cells are the products of six distinct gene families, all sharing homology in a core rod domain. These IFs assemble into non-polar polymers, providing cytoplasmic and nuclear mechanical support. Recent research has revealed the active and dynamic properties of IFs and their binding partners. This regulation extends beyond cell mechanics to include migration, mechanotransduction, and tumor growth. This comprehensive review will catalog all human IF genes and IF-associated proteins (IFAPs), detailing their names, sizes, functions, associated human diseases, relevant literature, and links to resources like Uniprot and the Protein Atlas database. These links provide access to additional information such as protein structure, subcellular localization, disease-causing mutations, and pathology. Using this catalog, we will overview the current understanding of the biological functions of IFs and IFAPs. This overview is crucial for identifying gaps in their characterization and understanding IF-mediated mechanotransduction. Additionally, we will consider potential future research directions.