Neurofilament

Neurofilaments are neuronal cytoskeletal proteins that play an important role in maintaining the structure and function of nerve cells. They are intermediate filaments with a diameter of 10 nm, consisting of several subtypes of proteins - NF-L, NF-M and NF-H.

Neurofilaments form a complex spatial network inside the processes of nerve cells - axons and dendrites. This network gives structural integrity to nerve fibers and maintains their diameter. In addition, neurofilaments are involved in the transport of various substances and organelles along the processes of neurons.

Disturbances in the structure and function of neurofilaments lead to the development of some neurodegenerative diseases. For example, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dementia with Lewy bodies, pathological accumulation and aggregation of neurofilament proteins is observed in nerve cells. Studying the role of these proteins is of great importance for understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and finding therapeutic methods.