This gene encodes a member of the intermediate filament family. Intermediate filamentents, along with microtubules and actin microfilaments, make up the cytoskeleton. The protein encoded by this gene is responsible for maintaining cell shape, integrity of the cytoplasm, and stabilizing cytoskeletal interactions. It is also involved in the immune response, and controls the transport of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-derived cholesterol from a lysosome to the site of esterification. It functions as an organizer of a number of critical proteins involved in attachment, migration, and cell signaling. Mutations in this gene causes a dominant, pulverulent cataract.[provided by RefSeq, Jun 2009],function:Vimentins are class-III intermediate filaments found in various non-epithelial cells, especially mesenchymal cells.,online information:Vimentin entry,PTM:One of the most prominent phosphoproteins in various cells of mesenchymal origin. Phosphorylation is enhanced during cell division, at which time vimentin filaments are significantly reorganized.,sequence caution:Intron retention.,similarity:Belongs to the intermediate filament family.,subunit:Homopolymer. Interacts with HCV core protein. Interacts with LGSN and SYNM.,tissue specificity:Highly expressed in fibroblasts, some expression in T- and B-lymphocytes, and little or no expression in Burkitts lymphoma cell lines. Expressed in many hormone-independent mammary carcinoma cell lines.,
