Abstract
The cytoskeleton consists of a complex network of fibers primarily including three families of protein molecules that assemble to form three main types of filaments: microtubules, intermediate filaments and microfilaments. Other components such as septins and centrosomes have been added in more recent years to be included under the larger umbrella of the cytoskeleton. These filaments are linked to each other and to different cellular components by hundreds of accessory proteins to allow intra- and intercellular communications and signal transductions for specific cellular functions. This chapter will briefly introduce the major components of the cytoskeleton and cytoskeletal functions. Specific components and interactions are highlighted and discussed in specific chapters of this book.
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Schatten, H. (2015). Brief Overview of the Cytoskeleton. In: Schatten, H. (eds) The Cytoskeleton in Health and Disease. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2904-7_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2904-7_1
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-2903-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-2904-7
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