6.8 Intermediate Filaments

Intermediate filaments (IFs) are one of the three types of cytoskeletal polymers that resist tensile and compressive forces in cells. They cross-link with each other as well as with actin filaments and microtubules by means of proteins such as desmin, lamin (A/C), plectin, and filamin C. Mutations in these proteins can lead to a wide range of pathologies, some of which exhibit mechanical failure of the skin, skeletal, or heart muscle.