Intermediate Filament Proteins, the latest volume in the Methods in Enzymology series covers all the intermediate filaments in vertebrates and invertebrates, providing a unique understanding of the multiple different tissue-specific intermediate filaments. This volume also covers the latest methods that are currently being used to study intermediate filament protein function and dynamics. It will be an important companion for any experimentalist interesting in studying this protein family in their cell or organism model system.

Intermediate Filament Proteins, the latest volume in the Methods in Enzymology series covers all the intermediate filaments in vertebrates and invertebrates, providing a unique understanding of the multiple different tissue-specific intermediate filaments. This volume also covers the latest methods that are currently being used to study intermediate filament protein function and dynamics. It will be an important companion for any experimentalist interesting in studying this protein family in their cell or organism model system. Focuses on intermediate filaments, including the latest information Provides an up-to-date understanding of the field Contains contributions from the major scientists working and publishing in the field

Intermediate Filament Associated Proteins, the latest volume in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This volume covers research methods in intermediate filament associated proteins and contains sections on such topics as lamin-associated proteins, intermediate filament-associated proteins and plakin, and other cytoskeletal cross-linkers. Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field Covers research methods in intermediate filament associated proteins and contains sections on such topics as lamin-associated proteins, intermediate filament-associated proteins and plakin, and other cytoskeletal cross-linkers

Research activity on intermediate filaments (IF) has increased dramatically over the past decade. For the most part, this surge of interest is due to their identification as ubiquitous constituents of the cytoskeleton and karyoskeleton (nuclear matrix) of eukaryotic cells and the fact that we know very little regarding their functions. In sharp contrast to the other major cytoskeletal systems, microfilaments and microtubules, IF exhibit a high degree of heterogeneity with regard to their protein subunit composition. Indeed, one can only marvel at the number of different IF polypeptides, their associated proteins (IFAP) and, consequently, the number of genes involved in encoding the multiple constituents of the various IF networks found in different cell types. The chapters in this book demonstrate how various experimental approaches involv ing cellular, molecular, biochemical, and immunological methods have been utilized to generate information regarding the structure and function of IF. To this end, we have gathered together chapters from experts in the major fields of IF research. In each chapter, the authors have combined reviews of the available scientific literature with their own ideas on current and future directions for IF research. The chapters have been divided into five major sections which are concerned with the subcellular organization of IF, the molecular structure of IF, the differential expression of IF genes, descriptions of associ ated proteins involved in the intracellular organization of IF, and finally an analysis of the changes seen in IF in pathological conditions.

Intermediate filaments are a large family of proteins that are the cytoskeletal elements involved in a number of skin, liver, neuromuscular, cardiac, eye and hair diseases. Intermediate filament genes are regulated in a tissue-and cell type-specific manner and their polymerized protein products protects the cells and tissue they are part of against a variety of mechanical and nonmechanical stresses. This book provides a comprehensive resource of methodology essentials, describing a variety of essential tools and assays for studying intermediate filaments. The book provides user-friendly advice and protocols covering all aspects of intermediate filaments including protein isolation and structure, protein and gene regulation, relationship to disease and apoptosis, and associated proteins. Both mammalian and non-mammalian systems and animal models are covered, making this book a must-have for any investigator wishing to study IF genes or their protein products. * Covers intermediate filaments from crystallography, protein chemistry, cell and molecular biology, microrheology, gene regulation, to animal models and human disease * Practical and user-friendly with detailed "how-to-protocols and "tricks of the trade" * Includes detailed tables of useful reagents, vendors and web links