Molecular organization and mechanics of single vimentin filaments revealed by super-resolution imaging

• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm2696
• Publication Date: 2022-02-25T19:00:32Z
• Authors: Filipe Nunes Vicente; Mickael Lelek; Jean-Yves Tinevez; Quang D. Tran; Gerard Pehau-Arna...; Christophe Zimmer; Sandrine Etienne-...; Gregory Giannone; Cécile Leduc
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; [PHYS.PHYS.PHYS-BIO-PH] Physics [physics]/Physics [physics]/Biological Physics [physics.bio-ph]; Biomedicine and Life Sciences

Intermediate filaments (IFs) are involved in key cellular functions including polarization, migration, and protection against large deformations. These related to their remarkable ability extend without breaking, a capacity that should be determined by the molecular organization of subunits within filaments. However, this structure-mechanics relationship remains poorly understood at level. Here, using super-resolution microscopy (SRM), we show vimentin exhibit ~49-nanometer axial repeat both cells vitro. As unit-length (ULFs) were measured ~59 nanometers, demonstrates partial overlap ULFs during filament assembly. Using an SRM-compatible stretching device, also provide evidence extensibility is due unfolding its not sliding, thus establishing direct link between structural mechanical properties. Overall, our results pave way for future studies IF assembly, mechanical, properties cells.