The spatial organization and dynamics of the cytoskeleton play crucial roles for various cellular functions. However, despite their essential roles in processes such as cell migration, mechanical stress resilience, and maintaining cellular integrity, the complex nature of vimentin intermediate filament networks continues to elude our understanding. Unlike actin and microtubules, recreating physiological vimentin networks in vitro has posed significant challenges. Using a cell extract-based approach, we reconstituted vimentin networks outside cells and investigated the factors influencing their architecture. Moreover, given that vimentin lacks inherent dynamics and relies on microtubule-associated molecular motors for its intracellular distribution, we explored direct interactions between vimentin and microtubules in vitro. In sum, we offer insights into the formation of complex vimentin networks and shed light on their interplay with microtubules.
 

Invited by

Carsten Janke
Intégrité du génome, ARN et Cancer (UMR3348)

Institut Curie