| Internexin (INA) | |
|---|---|
| Gene | INA |
| UniProt | Q9UHD8 |
| PDB | N/A |
| Mol. Weight | 66 kDa |
| Localization | Cytoplasmic intermediate filament |
| Family | Intermediate filament protein family |
| Diseases | [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers), [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), Neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease |
Internexin (INA) is a protein encoded by the INA gene. It belongs to the Intermediate filament protein family family and has a molecular weight of approximately 66 kDa. This protein is localized to Cytoplasmic intermediate filament and plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease.
Internexin (INA) has been characterized structurally through X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM. Available PDB structures include: No structures deposited.
The protein's three-dimensional structure can also be explored via the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database.
Under physiological conditions, Internexin (INA) performs essential functions in the nervous system. It is primarily found in Cytoplasmic intermediate filament and contributes to normal cellular homeostasis, signaling, and neuronal function.
Internexin (INA) is implicated in the following neurodegenerative conditions:
Misfolding, aggregation, or dysfunction of Internexin (INA) contributes to neuronal damage through various mechanisms including proteotoxic stress, disrupted cellular signaling, and neuroinflammation.
The neuronal intermediate filament (NIF) network, comprising INA, NF-L, NF-M, and NF-H, forms a critical cytoplasmic scaffold that maintains axonal architecture and facilitates organelle transport[1]. In neurodegenerative diseases, this network undergoes characteristic alterations:
NIFID is a rare sporadic or familial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by:
Internexin (INA) represents an important therapeutic target. Multiple drug development programs are exploring strategies to modulate its function, reduce toxic forms, or enhance clearance mechanisms.
Intermediate filament networks in neuronal physiology and disease. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 2022. ↩︎ ↩︎
The neuronal intermediate filament family: dynamic scaffolds in neurons. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease. 2009. ↩︎ ↩︎
Neuronal intermediate filament inclusion disease: clinicopathological features. Journal of Neurology. 2014. ↩︎ ↩︎
Intermediate filament protein dynamics in axonal transport. Cell and Tissue Research. 2012. ↩︎ ↩︎
Internexin: structure and function in neuronal intermediate filaments. Journal of Neurochemistry. 2020. ↩︎
Neuronal intermediate filament proteins in neurodegenerative diseases. Acta Neuropathologica. 2018. ↩︎