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Molecular organization and mechanics of single vimentin filaments revealed by super-resolution imaging.
- Source :
-
Science advances [Sci Adv] 2022 Feb 25; Vol. 8 (8), pp. eabm2696. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Feb 25. - Publication Year :
- 2022
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Abstract
- Intermediate filaments (IFs) are involved in key cellular functions including polarization, migration, and protection against large deformations. These functions are related to their remarkable ability to extend without breaking, a capacity that should be determined by the molecular organization of subunits within filaments. However, this structure-mechanics relationship remains poorly understood at the molecular level. Here, using super-resolution microscopy (SRM), we show that vimentin filaments exhibit a ~49-nanometer axial repeat both in cells and in vitro. As unit-length filaments (ULFs) were measured at ~59 nanometers, this demonstrates a partial overlap of ULFs during filament assembly. Using an SRM-compatible stretching device, we also provide evidence that the extensibility of vimentin is due to the unfolding of its subunits and not to their sliding, thus establishing a direct link between the structural organization and its mechanical properties. Overall, our results pave the way for future studies of IF assembly, mechanical, and structural properties in cells.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2375-2548
- Volume :
- 8
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Science advances
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 35213220
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abm2696