Nesprins (nuclear envelope
spectrin repeat 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 polar membrane, membranes that in eukaryotic cells surround the Cell nucleus, nucleus, which encloses the genome, genetic material.
The nuclear envelope ...
, as well as other subcellular compartments.
They contain a C-terminal
KASH transmembrane domain and are part of the
LINC complex (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.
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''.
Intermedi ...
, 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.
See also
*
SYNE1
*
SYNE2
References
Protein families
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