What are neurofilament proteins?
Neurofilament (NF) proteins represent the majority of cytoskeletal proteins that are present in motor neurons. These proteins play a significant role in determining the shape of cells, caliber of axonal projections, and maintenance of axonal transport.
What is a neurofilament test?
The Neurofilament Light (NFL) assay is a laboratory developed test (LDT) used to quantify neurofilament light chain (NFL) in human serum, plasma or CSF using the Atellica® Immunoassay system. Sample Type: Serum, EDTA Plasma, or CSF. Sample Size: 1.0mL Serum or EDTA Plasma 0.5 mL of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
What is the function of neurofilament?
The principal function of the neurofilaments is in maintenance and support of the cytoskeleton. Neurofilaments that are phosphorylated are transported down into the axon, where they maintain the size and caliber of the axon. Neurofilaments that are unphosphorylated remain in the cell body serving their function there.
Where is neurofilament located?
cytoplasm of neurons
Neurofilaments (NF) are classed as type IV intermediate filaments found in the cytoplasm of neurons. They are protein polymers measuring 10 nm in diameter and many micrometers in length.
Is neurofilament light a protein?
Neurofilament light polypeptide, also known as neurofilament light chain, is a neurofilament protein that in humans is encoded by the NEFL gene.
What is the function of Axoplasm?
Axoplasm is integral to the overall function of neurons in propagating action potential through the axon. The amount of axoplasm in the axon is important to the cable like properties of the axon in cable theory.
What blood tests are done for ALS?
While there are no tests that specifically provide an ALS diagnosis, there are other tests your doctor can prescribe to rule out other conditions or diseases. The types of tests your doctor may recommend can include: Genetic testing: Genetic testing is used to see if there is a genetic background of ALS in your family.
What is serum neurofilament light chain?
Serum neurofilament light chain is a biomarker of acute and chronic neuronal damage in early multiple sclerosis.
What is Neurofibril neuron?
The delicate interlacing threads, formed by aggregations of neurofilaments and neurotubules, coursing through the CYTOPLASM of the body of a NEURON and extending from one DENDRITE into another or into the AXON.
Where are Vimentins found?
Vimentin, is a 57kDa class III intermediate filament protein and often found in mesenchymal cells in eukaryotes, or cells that contain a distinct nucleus, and predominately expressed in developing embryo and in cells.
What is the function of neurofilaments in the axon?
Neurofilaments (NF) are important determinants of the axonal diameter (Lee and Cleveland, 1994), which in turn influences conduction velocity and the axonal transport of vesicles and cytosolic proteins (Williamson et al., 1996).
What are neuromuscular neurofilaments?
Neurofilaments are cytoskeletal proteins and components of the axons and neurons (Al-Chalabi and Miller, 2003 ). They are composed of three subunits, which are named according to their weight: the light (NFL), the medium (NFM), and the heavy subunit (NFH) ( Bruno et al., 2012 ).
What are the subunits of the neurofilament?
Three distinct neurofilament protein subunits exist, differing in molecular weight: NF-heavy, NF-medium, and NF-light. Structurally the NF-light subunit forms the core of the neurofilament around which the two larger subunits associate and contribute to the side arm projections radiating from the filament.
What are the effects of hyperphosphorylation of neurofilaments?
The abnormal hyperphosphorylation of neurofilaments leads to the loss of their stabilizing task and results in axonal damage in the brain and white matter. Subsequently, components of neurofilaments are released and can be detected in the CSF ( Bruno et al., 2012 ).