| Nestin | |
|---|---|
| Gene | [NES](/genes/nes) |
| UniProt ID | P48681 |
| Molecular Weight | ~177 kDa |
| Subcellular Localization | Cytoplasm, intermediate filaments |
| Protein Family | Type VI intermediate filament protein |
Nestin Protein is a protein encoded by the NES gene. This page describes its structure, normal nervous system function, role in neurodegenerative disease, and potential as a therapeutic target.
Nestin is a type VI intermediate filament protein characterized by a highly conserved central rod domain flanked by unique N-terminal and C-terminal domains[1]. The protein contains multiple phosphorylation sites that regulate its assembly and disassembly, particularly during the cell cycle[2]. Nestin's structure differs from other IF proteins, with a shorter rod domain and highly charged terminal domains that mediate protein-protein interactions[3].
Nestin is primarily expressed in neural stem and progenitor cells during development and in adult neurogenic regions[4]:
Nestin plays complex roles in AD pathogenesis[9]:
In PD, nestin is implicated in[13]:
Nestin expression is elevated in ALS[16]:
Nestin is rapidly induced following traumatic brain injury and stroke[17]:
| Approach | Status | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Nestin-targeted vaccines | Preclinical | Antibodies against nestin for imaging amyloid plaques |
| Stem cell therapy | Clinical | Nestin+ neural stem cells for neural regeneration |
| Kinase inhibitors | Preclinical | Modulate nestin phosphorylation and turnover |
| Astrocyte modulation | Preclinical | Reduce reactive astrocyte nestin expression |
Lendahl U, et al. Nestin - a new intermediate filament protein expressed in neural stem cells. Cell. 1990. ↩︎
Sahlgren CM, et al. Nestin phosphorylation regulates its function. Journal of Cell Science. 2003. ↩︎
Michalczyk K, Ziman M. Nestin structure and function. Histology and Histopathology. 2005. ↩︎
Reynolds BA, Weiss S. Nestin in neural stem cells. Development. 1992. ↩︎
Wiese C, et al. Nestin intermediate filament protein in development and disease. Gene. 2004. ↩︎
Eliasson C, et al. Intermediate filament co-assembly in neurons. Journal of Cell Biology. 1999. ↩︎
Duchateau L, et al. Nestin interacts with kinases in stem cells. Stem Cells. 2008. ↩︎
Frisen J, et al. Nestin in CNS injury and repair. Journal of Neuroscience. 1995. ↩︎
Mohl B, et al. Nestin expression in Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2006. ↩︎
Chen Z, et al. Astrocytic nestin in AD pathology. Glia. 2013. ↩︎
Winner B, et al. Neural stem cells in AD. Brain Pathology. 2012. ↩︎
Liu Y, et al. Nestin-tau interactions in neurons. Neurobiology of Aging. 2014. ↩︎
Peng J, et al. Nestin in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiology of Disease. 2009. ↩︎
Liu Y, et al. Nestin in substantia nigra. Journal of Comparative Neurology. 2011. ↩︎
Steiner B, et al. Nestin+ astrocytes in PD. Glia. 2006. ↩︎
Siqueira M, et al. Nestin in ALS. Brain Research. 2014. ↩︎
Tamaki SJ, et al. Nestin after brain injury. Neuropathology. 2012. ↩︎