Vimentin is required for normal accumulation of body fat

Intermediate filaments (nanofilaments) have many functions, especially in response to cellular stress. Mice lacking vimentin ( Vim −/− ) display phenotypes reflecting reduced levels of cell activation and ability to counteract stress, for example, decreased reactivity of astrocytes after neurotrauma, decreased migration of astrocytes and fibroblasts, attenuated inflammation and fibrosis in lung injury, delayed wound healing, impaired vascular...