From Structural Resilience to Cell Specification: Intermediate Filaments as Regulators of Cell Fate

The document discussed the role of intermediate filaments, particularly keratins and vimentin, in regulating cell fate and function. It highlighted their involvement in mitochondrial organization, cell shape, motility, differentiation, and disease progression. The studies underscored the importance of intermediate filaments in maintaining cellular integrity, facilitating wound healing, and ensuring proper cell signaling pathways, such as Notch and Wnt. Mutations and deficiencies in these filaments were linked to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, liver conditions, Alagille syndrome, muscular dystrophies, and progeria. The therapeutic potential of targeting intermediate filaments in diseases like cancer was also explored.