SYNM

The protein encoded by this gene is an intermediate filament (IF) family member. IF proteins are cytoskeletal proteins that confer resistance to mechanical stress and are encoded by a dispersed multigene family. This protein has been found to form a linkage between desmin, which is a subunit of the IF network, and the extracellular matrix, and provides an important structural support in muscle. Two alternatively spliced variants encoding different isoforms have been described for this gene.

Synemin

Type-VI intermediate filament (IF) which plays an important cytoskeletal role within the muscle cell cytoskeleton. It forms heteromeric IFs with desmin and/or vimentin, and via its interaction with cytoskeletal proteins alpha-dystrobrevin, dystrophin, talin-1, utrophin and vinculin, is able to link these heteromeric IFs to adherens-type junctions, such as to the costameres, neuromuscular junctions, and myotendinous junctions within striated muscle cells.

Biological Process fast-twitch skeletal muscle fiber contractionIBA:GO_Central1 Publication
Biological Process intermediate filament cytoskeleton organizationTAS:UniProtKB1 Publication

Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton
Cell junction, adherens junction
There are at least two distinct SYNM subpopulations, one in which SYMN interacts with DES within the Z-lines, and another in which it interacts with both DTNA and DES at the costamere.