A cytoplasmic escapee: desmin is going nuclear

Abstract

It has been a long time since researchers have focused on the cytoskeletal proteins’ unconventional functions in the nucleus. Subcellular localization of a protein not only affects its functions but also determines the accessibility for cellular processes. Desmin is a muscle-specific, cytoplasmic intermediate filament protein, the cytoplasmic roles of which are defined. Yet, there is some evidence pointing out nuclear functions for desmin. In silico and wet lab analysis shows that desmin can enter and function in the nucleus. Furthermore, the candidate nuclear partners of desmin support the notion that desmin can serve as a transcriptional regulator inside the nucleus. Uncovering the nuclear functions and partners of desmin will provide a new insight into the biological significance of desmin.