Fig. 9. Model of interaction between vimentin and focal adhesion proteins. (A) In fibroblasts, the vimentin-IF network is connected to integrins through interactions with synemin and vinculin or through plectin. (B) Expression of mutant vimentin in fibroblasts causes aggregate formation and severed connection of IF to focal adhesions. The presence of synemin in vimentin aggregates and the unaltered localisation of vinculin and plectin at focal adhesions suggest a stronger association with vimentin compared with other proteins of the focal adhesion.