History and phylogeny of intermediate filaments: Now in insects
2011
Intermediate Filaments in Insects
Commentary
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Herrmann Harald, Strelkov Sergei V
Primary Institution: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Hypothesis
Insects may possess cytoplasmic intermediate filaments, contrary to previous beliefs.
Conclusion
The discovery of isomin in the insect Isotomurus maculatus suggests that insects do have cytoplasmic intermediate filaments.
Supporting Evidence
- Intermediate filaments are found in many animal cells and were previously thought to be absent in insects.
- The protein isomin was isolated from the insect Isotomurus maculatus, challenging previous assumptions.
- Isomin shows structural similarities to known intermediate filament proteins.
Takeaway
Scientists thought insects didn't have certain proteins called intermediate filaments, but they found one in a tiny insect that shows they might actually have them.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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