Withaferin-A Can Be Used to Modulate the Keratin Network of Intermediate Filaments in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes.

ABSTRACT: The mechanical state of cells is a critical part of their healthy functioning and it is controlled primarily by cytoskeletal networks (actin, microtubules and intermediate filaments). Drug-based strategies targeting the assembly of a given cytoskeletal network are often used to pinpoint their role in cellular function. Unlike actin and microtubules, there has been limited interest in the role of intermediate filaments, and fewer drugs have thus been identified and characterised as modulators of its assembly. Here, we evaluate whether Withaferin-A (WFA), an established disruptor of vimentin filaments, can also be used to modulate keratin filament assembly. Our results show that in keratinocytes, which are keratin-rich but vimentin-absent, Withaferin-A disrupts keratin filaments. Importantly

SUBMITTER: Keeling MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7352337 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature