Vimentin (VIM) Human Active Protein

This gene encodes a member of the intermediate filament family. Intermediate filamentents, along with microtubules and actin microfilaments, make up the cytoskeleton. The protein encoded by this gene is responsible for maintaining cell shape, integrity of the cytoplasm, and stabilizing cytoskeletal interactions. It is also involved in the immune response, and controls the transport of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-derived cholesterol from a lysosome to the site of esterification. It functions as an organizer of a number of critical proteins involved in attachment, migration, and cell signaling. Mutations in this gene causes a dominant, pulverulent cataract.[provided by RefSeq, Jun 2009]

Function: Vimentins are class-III intermediate filaments found in various non-epithelial cells, especially mesenchymal cells. Vimentin is attached to the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria, either laterally or terminally. Ref.38Involved with LARP6 in the stabilization of type I collagen mRNAs for CO1A1 and CO1A2. Ref.38

Subunit structure: Homopolymer assembled from elementary dimers. Interacts with HCV core protein. Interacts with LGSN and SYNM. Interacts (via rod region) with PLEC (via CH 1 domain)

By similarity. Interacts with SLC6A4. Interacts with STK33. Interacts with LARP6. Interacts with RAB8B

By similarity. Ref.23 Ref.27 Ref.32 Ref.38 Ref.44

Subcellular location: Cytoplasm Ref.40.

Tissue specificity: Highly expressed in fibroblasts, some expression in T- and B-lymphocytes, and little or no expression in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines. Expressed in many hormone-independent mammary carcinoma cell lines. Ref.12 Ref.17

Domain: The central alpha-helical coiled-coil rod region mediates elementary homodimerization. Ref.44

Post-translational modification: Filament disassembly during mitosis is promoted by phosphorylation at Ser-55 as well as by nestin

By similarity. One of the most prominent phosphoproteins in various cells of mesenchymal origin. Phosphorylation is enhanced during cell division, at which time vimentin filaments are significantly reorganized. Phosphorylation by PKN1 inhibits the formation of filaments. Phosphorylated at Ser-56 by CDK5 during neutrophil secretion in the cytoplasm. Phosphorylated by STK33. Ref.14 Ref.19 Ref.20 Ref.21 Ref.27 Ref.40O-glycosylated during cytokinesis at sites identical or close to phosphorylation sites, this interferes with the phosphorylation status. Ref.35

Involvement in disease: Cataract 30 (CTRCT30) [MIM:116300]: An opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye that frequently results in visual impairment or blindness. Opacities vary in morphology, are often confined to a portion of the lens, and may be static or progressive. In general, the more posteriorly located and dense an opacity, the greater the impact on visual function.Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the intermediate filament family.

Sequence caution: The sequence BAB71275.1 differs from that shown. Reason: Intron retention.