Neurofilament medium polypeptide (NF-M) is a

protein Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residue (biochemistry), residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including Enzyme catalysis, catalysing metab ...

that in humans is encoded by the ''NEFM''

gene In biology, the word gene has two meanings. The Mendelian gene is a basic unit of heredity. The molecular gene is a sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is transcribed to produce a functional RNA. There are two types of molecular genes: protei ...

Function

Neurofilament Neurofilaments (NF) are classed as Intermediate filament#Type IV, type IV intermediate filaments found in the cytoplasm of neurons. They are protein polymers measuring 10 nm in diameter and many micrometers in length. Together with mic ...

s are type IV intermediate filament heteropolymers composed of light (

NEFL Neurofilament light polypeptide is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NEFL gene. Structure Neurofilament light polypeptide is a member of the intermediate filament protein family. This protein family consists of over 50 human proteins ...

), medium (this protein), and heavy ( NEFH) chains. Neurofilaments comprise the

exoskeleton An exoskeleton () . is a skeleton that is on the exterior of an animal in the form of hardened integument, which both supports the body's shape and protects the internal organs, in contrast to an internal endoskeleton (e.g. human skeleton, that ...

and functionally maintain neuronal caliber. They may also play a role in intracellular transport to

axon An axon (from Greek ἄξων ''áxōn'', axis) or nerve fiber (or nerve fibre: see American and British English spelling differences#-re, -er, spelling differences) is a long, slender cellular extensions, projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, ...

s and

dendrite A dendrite (from Ancient Greek language, Greek δένδρον ''déndron'', "tree") or dendron is a branched cytoplasmic process that extends from a nerve cell that propagates the neurotransmission, electrochemical stimulation received from oth ...

s. This gene encodes the medium neurofilament protein. This protein is commonly used as a

biomarker In biomedical contexts, a biomarker, or biological marker, is a measurable indicator of some biological state or condition. Biomarkers are often measured and evaluated using blood, urine, or soft tissues to examine normal biological processes, ...

of neuronal damage.

Function

References

Further reading