The cytoskeleton is a biopolymer network composed of intermediate filaments, actin, and microtubules, which is the main mechanical structure of cells. Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein that regulates the mechanical and contractile properties of cells, thereby reflecting their mechanical properties. In recent years, the "nonmechanical function" of vimentin inside and outside of cells has attracted extensive attention. The content of vimentin in atherosclerotic plaques is increased, and the serum secretion of vimentin in patients with coronary heart disease is remarkably increased. In this review, the mechanistic and nonmechanistic roles of vimentin in atherosclerosis progression were summarized on the basis of current studies.
Keywords: EndMT; atherosclerosis; intermediate filament; mechanical; nonmechanical; vimentin.