Neurofilament medium polypeptide (NEFM)

Neurofilament medium polypeptide (NEFM), also known as neurofilament medium chain or NF-M, is a principal component of the type IV intermediate filament heteropolymers specific to neurons[1][2][3][4]. NEFM is essential for maintaining the structure, size, and caliber of neuronal axons by forming the axoskeleton, alongside neurofilament light (NEFL) and heavy (NEFH) subunits[1][2][3][4]. NEFM regulates axonal growth and intracellular transport and plays important roles in the stability and function of synaptic connections, including interactions with dopamine D1 receptors and neurotransmitter signaling systems[3][4]. Aberrant expression, genetic variants, and post-translational modifications of NEFM are implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders, and its levels are widely used as a clinically validated biomarker for neuronal injury and neurodegeneration[1][2][3][4]. NEFM is not considered a direct therapeutic target but is a valuable tool in neurological disease diagnostics and research.

Other names

Neurofilament medium chainNEFMNEF3NFMNF-M160 kDa neurofilament proteinNeurofilament 3Neurofilament triplet M proteinneurofilament, medium polypeptide 150kDaneurofilament-3 (150 kD medium)

Not applicable; NEFM is not a direct target for current pharmacological therapies. Its modulation is not the primary therapeutic mechanism for existing drugs[4].