Intermediate filaments are part of a dynamic protein network, called the cytoskeleton, that provides shape, structural organization and mechanical resilience to human cells and tissues. Indeed, intermediate filaments have been proven to be very strong, while at the same time remaining flexible and elastic (Kreplak et al, 2005). Remarkably, they seem to stiffen when subjected to high mechanical force (Janmey et al, 1991), making them important contributors to integrity of cells, especially in tissues subjected to pronounced mechanical stress, such as our skin...Read more

Welcome back to HPA image of the week! This week we highlight another organelle brought to us by Mikaela Wiking aka HPA_Illuminator, the intermediate filaments!

Intermediate filaments are one of the three cytoskeletons of the cell, together with actin filaments and microtubules.

The expression of intermediate filaments can be extremely dependent on cell type, for example the intermediate filament protein group keratins, discussed in a previous IOTW, are key components in hair, nails and skin...Read more