Providing cellular signposts – Post-translational modifications of intermediate filaments

Intermediate filaments are dynamically regulated by their post-translational modifications. Initially these modifications were found to regulate filament dynamics and organization. In the last few years, their roles have extended significantly to facilitating, for example, the recruitment and sequestration of signaling molecules that regulate a wide range of cellular functions. While phosphorylation has been established as the principal post-translational modification regulating intermediate filament function, other modifications with co-operative roles are emerging, adding a further dimensions to intermediate filament-mediated signaling.