Vimentin intermediate filaments stabilize dynamic microtubules by direct interactions.

ABSTRACT: The cytoskeleton determines cell mechanics and lies at the heart of important cellular functions. Growing evidence suggests that the manifold tasks of the cytoskeleton rely on the interactions between its filamentous components-actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. However, the nature of these interactions and their impact on cytoskeletal dynamics are largely unknown. Here, we show in a reconstituted in vitro system that vimentin intermediate filaments stabilize microtubules against depolymerization and support microtubule rescue. To understand these stabilizing effects, we directly measure the interaction forces between individual microtubules and vimentin filaments. Combined with numerical simulations, our observations provide detailed insight into the physical natur

SUBMITTER: Schaedel L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8213705 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature