NEFM,also named as NEF3 and NFM,belongs to the intermediate filament family. Neurofilaments are the 10nm intermediate filaments found specifically in neurons. They are a major component of the cell's cytoskeleton,and provide support for normal axonal radial growth. Neurofilaments usually contain three intermediate filament proteins: L,M,and H which are involved in the maintenance of neuronal caliber. The names given to the three major neurofilament subunits are based upon the apparent molecular weight of the mammalian subunits on SDS-PAGE:NF-L,65-68kd; NF-M,140-160kd and NF-H,200-220kd.