# Regulation of the Micromechanical Properties of Cells by Intermediate Filaments

> **NIH NIH P01** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $247,851

## Abstract

Project Summary (Project 5, Janmey)
Unlike other elements of the cytoskeleton, individual IFs and the networks they form can withstand large
deformations that would rupture F-actin or microtubules The molecular mechanisms that control vimentin IF
assembly in the cell and that link IFs together so that they form mechanically resistant networks are also not
well understood. Specific crosslinking proteins do not appear to be required for network formation, and
several bonds between IF subunit C-terminal extensions and the sides of other filaments have been reported.
Complementary attractive interactions between vimentin IFs mediated by multivalent cations are also
important. Identifying the molecular mechanisms for IF crosslinking and bundle formation remains a major
challenge to defining this system with the same detail as currently available for network formation by other
biopolymers. This project will define the mechanism that control vimentin polymerization and network
formation in the cytoplasm, and quantify how network of purified vimentin Ifs and vimentin containing cells and
cytoskeletons respond to large amplitude compressive strains that occur in vivo. The project will collaborate
with other project of this PPG in both cell biologic and biophysical studies and engage the PPG animal core to
produce mice and tissues with altered vimentin expression to determine the role of vimentin on tissue
mechanics and responses of genetically modified mice with altered vimentin to mechanical stresses.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9994773
- **Project number:** 5P01GM096971-08
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Paul A Janmey
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $247,851
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-06-15 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9994773

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9994773, Regulation of the Micromechanical Properties of Cells by Intermediate Filaments (5P01GM096971-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9994773. Licensed CC0.

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