Nesprins (nuclear envelope

spectrin repeat Spectrin repeats are found in several proteins involved in cytoskeletal structure. These include spectrin, alpha-actinin, dystrophin and more recently the plakin family. The spectrin repeat forms a three- helix bundle. These conform to the rules ...

proteins) are a family of proteins that are found primarily in the

outer nuclear membrane The nuclear envelope, also known as the nuclear membrane, is made up of two lipid bilayer membranes that in eukaryotic cells surround the nucleus, which encloses the genetic material. The nuclear envelope consists of two lipid bilayer membrane ...

, as well as other subcellular compartments. They contain a C-terminal KASH transmembrane domain and are part of the

LINC complex The LINC complex (Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton) is a protein complex A protein complex or multiprotein complex is a group of two or more associated polypeptide chains. Protein complexes are distinct from multienzyme complexes, in ...

(Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton) which is a protein network that associates the nuclear envelope (the membrane surrounding the nucleus) to the cytoskeleton, outside the nucleus, and the nuclear lamina, inside the nucleus. Nesprin-1 and -2 bind to the

actin filaments Microfilaments, also called actin filaments, are protein filaments in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells that form part of the cytoskeleton. They are primarily composed of polymers of actin, but are modified by and interact with numerous other pr ...

. Nesprin-3 binds to

plectin Plectin is a giant protein found in nearly all mammalian cells which acts as a link between the three main components of the cytoskeleton: actin microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments. In addition, plectin links the cytoskeleton ...

, which is bound to the

intermediate filaments Intermediate filaments (IFs) are cytoskeletal structural components found in the cells of vertebrates, and many invertebrates. Homologues of the IF protein have been noted in an invertebrate, the cephalochordate ''Branchiostoma''. Intermedia ...

, while nesprin-4 interacts with kinesin-1. Nesprin mediated connections to the cytoskeleton provides mechanosensory functions in cells, as the absence or disruption of Nesprin family members at the nuclear envelope interferes with the cell's ability to sense and respond to mechanical challenges.

References

Protein families {{protein-stub

See also

References