Abstract
The ocular lens assembles two separate intermediate filament systems sequentially with differentiation. Canonical 8-11 nm IFs composed of Vimentin are assembled in lens epithelial cells and younger fiber cells, while the fiber cell-specific beaded filaments are switched on as fiber cell elongation initiates. Some of the key features of both filament systems are reviewed.
Publication types
-
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
-
Review
MeSH terms
-
Animals
-
Cell Membrane / metabolism
-
Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
-
Epithelial Cells / ultrastructure
-
Humans
-
Intermediate Filament Proteins / metabolism
-
Intermediate Filaments / physiology*
-
Lens, Crystalline / ultrastructure*
-
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
-
Vimentin / metabolism
Substances
-
Intermediate Filament Proteins
-
Vimentin