Plectin (None)

Plectin is a giant, multidomain cytoskeletal protein (∼500 kDa) that acts as an essential crosslinker, connecting intermediate filaments, microtubules, and actin filaments across a wide variety of mammalian tissues[1][2][3][7][8]. It is the prototypical member of the plakin family and is structurally composed of N-terminal actin-binding domains, a central coiled-coil rod domain allowing dimerization, and a C-terminal filament-binding region[2][5][7]. Plectin binds and anchors cytoskeletal networks to junctional complexes (e.g., hemidesmosomes, desmosomes), organelles, and cell membrane sites, thus stabilizing cell architecture, maintaining tissue integrity, and allowing cells to withstand mechanical stress[1][2][3][7][8][10]. Its widespread expression and structural role underpin its involvement in diseases of mechanical fragility such as skin blistering disorders, muscular dystrophies, and certain cancers, typically due to gene mutations rather than as a therapeutic drug target[9].

Other names

Plectin-1PLEC (gene symbol)Cytolinker protein plectinPlakin family protein