Plectin-Mediated Intermediate Filament Functions: Why Isoforms Matter
This essay focuses on the role of plectin and its various isoforms in mediating intermediate filament (IF) network functions. It is based on previous studies that provided comprehensive evidence for a concept where plectin acts as an IF recruiter, and plectin-mediated IF networking and anchoring are...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-08-01
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| Series: | Cells |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/10/8/2154 |
| _version_ | 1797524344435376128 |
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| author | Gerhard Wiche |
| author_facet | Gerhard Wiche |
| author_sort | Gerhard Wiche |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This essay focuses on the role of plectin and its various isoforms in mediating intermediate filament (IF) network functions. It is based on previous studies that provided comprehensive evidence for a concept where plectin acts as an IF recruiter, and plectin-mediated IF networking and anchoring are key elements in IF function execution. Here, plectin’s global role as modulator of IF functionality is viewed from different perspectives, including the mechanical stabilization of IF networks and their docking platforms, contribution to cellular viscoelasticity and mechanotransduction, compartmentalization and control of the actomyosin machinery, connections to the microtubule system, and mechanisms and specificity of isoform targeting. Arguments for IF networks and plectin acting as mutually dependent partners are also given. Lastly, a working model is presented that describes a unifying mechanism underlying how plectin–IF networks mechanically control and propagate actomyosin-generated forces, affect microtubule dynamics, and contribute to mechanotransduction. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T08:55:02Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ec6b160572f9436893d2658ce8f9f4a8 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2073-4409 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T08:55:02Z |
| publishDate | 2021-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Cells |
| spelling | doaj.art-ec6b160572f9436893d2658ce8f9f4a82023-11-22T07:12:31ZengMDPI AGCells2073-44092021-08-01108215410.3390/cells10082154Plectin-Mediated Intermediate Filament Functions: Why Isoforms MatterGerhard Wiche0Max Perutz Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, AustriaThis essay focuses on the role of plectin and its various isoforms in mediating intermediate filament (IF) network functions. It is based on previous studies that provided comprehensive evidence for a concept where plectin acts as an IF recruiter, and plectin-mediated IF networking and anchoring are key elements in IF function execution. Here, plectin’s global role as modulator of IF functionality is viewed from different perspectives, including the mechanical stabilization of IF networks and their docking platforms, contribution to cellular viscoelasticity and mechanotransduction, compartmentalization and control of the actomyosin machinery, connections to the microtubule system, and mechanisms and specificity of isoform targeting. Arguments for IF networks and plectin acting as mutually dependent partners are also given. Lastly, a working model is presented that describes a unifying mechanism underlying how plectin–IF networks mechanically control and propagate actomyosin-generated forces, affect microtubule dynamics, and contribute to mechanotransduction.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/10/8/2154plectinisoformsintermediate filamentsmechanotransductionactomyosinmicrotubules |
| spellingShingle | Gerhard Wiche Plectin-Mediated Intermediate Filament Functions: Why Isoforms Matter Cells plectin isoforms intermediate filaments mechanotransduction actomyosin microtubules |
| title | Plectin-Mediated Intermediate Filament Functions: Why Isoforms Matter |
| title_full | Plectin-Mediated Intermediate Filament Functions: Why Isoforms Matter |
| title_fullStr | Plectin-Mediated Intermediate Filament Functions: Why Isoforms Matter |
| title_full_unstemmed | Plectin-Mediated Intermediate Filament Functions: Why Isoforms Matter |
| title_short | Plectin-Mediated Intermediate Filament Functions: Why Isoforms Matter |
| title_sort | plectin mediated intermediate filament functions why isoforms matter |
| topic | plectin isoforms intermediate filaments mechanotransduction actomyosin microtubules |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/10/8/2154 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT gerhardwiche plectinmediatedintermediatefilamentfunctionswhyisoformsmatter |