PAT-12, a potential anti-nematode target, is a new spectraplakin partner essential for Caenorhabditis elegans hemidesmosome integrity and embryonic morphogenesis

►Characterization of the expression, distribution and function of pat-12 in C. elegans. ►The isoform PAT-12A is a novel component of C. elegans fibrous organelles. ►PAT-12A is essential for embryonic morphogenesis and fibrous organelle biogenesis. ►PAT-12A promotes the interaction of intermediate filaments with hemidesmosomes. ►PAT-12 is conserved among nematodes and may provide a target for anti-nematode drugs.