Nefh
Function
Neurofilaments usually contain three intermediate filament proteins: NEFL, NEFM, and NEFH which are involved in the maintenance of neuronal caliber. NEFH has an important function in mature axons that is not subserved by the two smaller NEF proteins. May additionally cooperate with the neuronal intermediate filament proteins PRPH and INA to form neuronal filamentous networks (By similarity).
Post-translational modifications
There are a number of repeats of the tripeptide K-S-P, NFH is phosphorylated on a number of the serines in this motif. It is thought that phosphorylation of NFH results in the formation of interfilament cross bridges that are important in the maintenance of axonal caliber.
Phosphorylation seems to play a major role in the functioning of the larger neurofilament polypeptides (NF-M and NF-H), the levels of phosphorylation being altered developmentally and coincidentally with a change in the neurofilament function.
Phosphorylated in the head and rod regions by the PKC kinase PKN1, leading to the inhibition of polymerization.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the intermediate filament family.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in the dorsal root ganglion neurons (at protein level) (PubMed:9388258). Expressed in cutaneous and muscular sensory neurons (PubMed:19913522).
Cellular localization
- Cytoplasm
- Cytoskeleton
- Cell projection
- Axon
Alternative names
Nfh, Nefh, Neurofilament heavy polypeptide, NF-H, 200 kDa neurofilament protein, Neurofilament triplet H protein