Definition
The cytoskeleton is a network of polymeric proteins organized in filaments (microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments) that gives shape to the cell and contributes to transport of molecules inside the cell. It is an intracellular network of structural protein filaments (including actin filaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments like keratins, vimentin, desmin and neurofilaments). The cytoskeleton directs cell shape, mediates the anchoring and movement of cell organelles and is necessary for cell division. It is linked to cell-cell and cell-substrate cell adhesion molecules and increases the structural integrity of tissues and organs.
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© 2001 Springer-Verlag
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(2001). Cytoskeleton. In: Schwab, M. (eds) Encyclopedic Reference of Cancer. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-30683-8_403
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-30683-8_403
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-66527-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-30683-2
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