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The vimentin cytoskeleton: When polymer physics meets cell biology

The proper functions of tissues depend on the ability of cells to withstand stress and maintain shape. Central to this process is the cytoskeleton, comprised of three polymeric networks: F-actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Intermediate filament proteins are among the most abundant cytoskeletal proteins in cells; yet they remain one of the least understood. Their structure and function deviate from those of their cytoskeletal partners, F-actin and microtubules. Intermediate filament networks show a unique combination of extensibility, flexibility and toughness that confers mechanical resilience to the cell. Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein expressed in mesenchymal cells. This review highlights exciting new results on the physical biology of vimentin intermediate filaments and their role in allowing whole cells and tissues to cope with stress.