1MB8, 2ODU, 2ODV, 3F7P, 3PDY, 3PE0, 4GDO, 4Q58, 4Q59, 2N03, 5J1H, 5J1G, 5J1I533918810ENSG00000178209ENSMUSG00000022565Q15149Q9QXS1NM_201382NM_201383NM_201384NM_201385NM_201386NM_201387NM_201388NM_201389NM_201390NM_201391NM_201392NM_201393NM_201394NP_958784NP_958785NP_958786NP_958787NP_958788NP_958789NP_958790NP_958791NP_958792NP_958793NP_958794NP_958795NP_958796Plectin is a giant protein found in nearly all mammalian cells which acts as a link between the three main components of the cytoskeleton: actin microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments.

[5] In addition, plectin links the cytoskeleton to junctions found in the plasma membrane that structurally connect different cells.

By holding these different networks together, plectin plays an important role in maintaining the mechanical integrity and viscoelastic properties of tissues.

Pups died 2–3 days after birth, and these mice exhibited marked skin abnormalities, including degeneration of keratinocytes.

Cardiac intercalated discs were disintegrated and sarcomeres were irregularly shapen, and intracellular accumulation of aberrant isolated myofibrillar bundles and Z-disc components was also observed.

This interaction between plectin and desmin intermediate filaments also appears to facilitate the close association of myofibrils and mitochondria, both at Z-discs and along the remainder the sarcomere.