The VIM (vimentin) gene codes for an intermediate filament protein, that is expressed throughout mesenchymal cells. VIM gene is mapped to human chromosome 10p13.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Vimentin is known to promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition and contributes to metastasis in cancer such as ovarian cancer. Vimentin preserves cellular structure and tissue integrity. Vimentin is also known to bring about TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) induced cell apoptosis.
