Desmin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DES gene. It is a type III intermediate filament found near the Z line in sarcomeres. Desmin is a 52 kDa protein that is a subunit of intermediate filaments in skeletal muscle tissue, smooth muscle tissue, and cardiac muscle tissue. Alternative Names: FLJ39719 protein, DES protein, Desmin protein, FLJ41013 protein, CMD1I protein, CSM1 protein, Desmin protein, FLJ41793 protein, CSM2 protein, FLJ12025 protein