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Intermediate filaments in 3T3 cells collapse after intracellular injection of a monoclonal anti-intermediate filament antibody

Nature volume 291, pages 249–251 (1981)Cite this article

Abstract

The function of intermediate filaments within cells is unclear, largely because there are no known reagents or physical conditions which specifically affect their organization (see ref. 1 for review). I report here that the intracellular injection of a monoclonal IgG1 antibody specific for intermediate filaments2 causes the rapid and reversible collapse of all intermediate filaments within 3T3 mouse fibroblasts while leaving the organization of microfilament bundles and microtubules apparently unaltered. Direct observation of cells undergoing intermediate filament collapse indicates that such collapse occurs without obvious effects on cell morphology or motility.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MRC Neuroimmunology Project, Department of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK

    Michael W. Klymkowsky

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  1. Michael W. Klymkowsky
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Klymkowsky, M. Intermediate filaments in 3T3 cells collapse after intracellular injection of a monoclonal anti-intermediate filament antibody. Nature 291, 249–251 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/291249a0

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