Atypical type III intermediate filament (IF) protein that may play a supportive role in the efficient coupling of mechanical stress between the myofibril and fiber exterior. May facilitate lateral force transmission during skeletal muscle contraction. Does not form homofilaments nor heterofilaments with other IF proteins. May link the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DAPC) to intracellular desmin (DES) filaments. Interacts with DES and DTNA. In skeletal muscle, colocalizes with DES and DTNA, and is localized at the myotendinous and neuromuscular junctions, sarcolemma and Z-lines. In myotubes, detected in a punctate cytoplasmic pattern (By similarity). Up-regulated at the sarcolemma in individuals with various forms of neuromuscular disease. Belongs to the intermediate filament family. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus.