Internexin neuronal intermediate filament protein alpha (INA)

Internexin neuronal intermediate filament protein alpha (INA), also known as alpha-internexin, is a 66 kDa class IV intermediate filament protein found predominantly in neurons of the central nervous system[1][2][5][6]. It plays a critical role in the assembly and maintenance of the neuronal cytoskeleton and is important for neuronal development, morphogenesis, and axonal growth[3][4][5][6]. Alpha-internexin can form homopolymers and also co-assembles with neurofilament triplet proteins (NF-L, NF-M, NF-H) into networks that provide structural support within axons[1][3]. High expression occurs early in neuronal development, and its function is closely linked to the distribution and axonal transport properties of the neurofilament system[2][3][4]. Abnormal accumulations of alpha-internexin are associated with certain neurodegenerative diseases[3], and it is used as a biomarker in neuroscience research and histopathology applications[6]. There are no known approved drugs that target INA directly, and it is not considered a therapeutic target under current scientific or clinical paradigms[5][6].

Other names

Alpha-internexinINANEF5Alpha-InxNF-66Neurofilament-6666 kDa neurofilament proteinNeurofilament 5NF66TXBP-1alpha-internexinneurofilament 5 (66kD)tax-binding protein