The proper functions of tissues depend on the ability of cells to withstand stress and maintain shape. Central to this process is the cytoskeleton, comprised of three polymeric networks: F-actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments (IFs). IF proteins are among the most abundant cytoskeletal proteins in cells; yet they remain some of the least understood. Their structure and function deviate from those of their cytoskeletal partners, F-actin and microtubules. IF networks show a unique combination of extensibility, flexibility and toughness that confers mechanical resilience to the cell. Vimentin is an IF protein expressed in mesenchymal cells. This review highlights exciting new results on the physical biology of vimentin intermediate filaments and their role in allowing whole cells and tissues to cope with stress.

组织的正常功能取决于细胞承受压力和保持形状的能力。该过程的核心是细胞骨架，由三个聚合物网络组成：F-肌动蛋白、微管和中间丝 (IF)。IF 蛋白是细胞中最丰富的细胞骨架蛋白之一；但它们仍然是最不被理解的。它们的结构和功能不同于它们的细胞骨架伙伴、F-肌动蛋白和微管。IF 网络显示出可扩展性、灵活性和韧性的独特组合，赋予细胞机械弹性。波形蛋白是一种在间充质细胞中表达的 IF 蛋白。这篇综述重点介绍了波形蛋白中间丝的物理生物学及其在使整个细胞和组织应对压力方面的作用的令人兴奋的新结果。