SYNM - synemin | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background

Synemin is an intermediate filament (IF) protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and function of various cell types, particularly in muscle and neuronal cells. It is encoded by the SYNM gene and is highly conserved across species, reflecting its fundamental role in cellular architecture. Synemin integrates with other cytoskeletal proteins, contributing to the mechanical resilience and signaling pathways of cells. It was first identified in the context of muscle cells, where it associates with other intermediate filaments like desmin, vimentin, and nestin.

Protein Structure

Molecular Weight: Approximately 180-230 kDa, depending on the isoform.

• Domain Structure:
• Head Domain: Involved in filament assembly and regulation.
• Rod Domain: Contains coiled-coil regions crucial for dimerization and filament formation.
• Tail Domain: Provides binding sites for various cytoskeletal and signaling proteins.
• Synemin exists in multiple isoforms due to alternative splicing, which results in proteins of different lengths and possibly different functional roles.

Classification and Subtypes

Synemin is classified as a member of the intermediate filament family of proteins.

Isoforms:

• Alpha-synemin: The largest isoform, prevalent in muscle and neural tissues.
• Beta-synemin: Slightly smaller, found in a variety of tissues.
• Gamma-synemin: The smallest isoform, with specific tissue distribution.
• The diversity of isoforms allows synemin to participate in different cellular functions depending on the tissue type.

Function and Biological Significance

• Structural Role: Synemin provides structural support by integrating into the intermediate filament network, contributing to cellular resilience against mechanical stress.
• Signal Transduction: It interacts with various signaling molecules, influencing pathways that regulate cell growth, differentiation, and survival.
• Cell Adhesion and Migration: Synemin plays a role in cell adhesion processes and is involved in the dynamic remodeling of the cytoskeleton during cell migration.
• Muscle Function: In muscle cells, synemin links the contractile apparatus to the cell membrane, ensuring efficient force transmission and mechanical stability during contraction.

Clinical Issues

• Muscle Disorders: Mutations or dysregulation of synemin can contribute to muscular dystrophies and other myopathies, characterized by muscle weakness and degeneration.
• Neurological Disorders: Given its role in neurons, abnormalities in synemin expression or function may be implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and neuropathies.
• Cancer: Altered expression of synemin has been observed in various cancers, suggesting a potential role in tumorigenesis and metastasis.

Summary

Synemin is a vital intermediate filament protein that ensures the structural integrity and functionality of muscle and neural cells. Through its multiple isoforms, synemin integrates into the cytoskeletal network, facilitating cell stability, signal transduction, and migration. It has significant implications in muscle and neurological disorders, as well as cancer, highlighting its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and its potential as a therapeutic target.