Cited by 476Nuclear Structure and FunctionCellular Mechanics and InteractionsSkin and Cellular Biology Research

Mechanics and functional consequences of nuclear deformations

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Kalukula, Yohalie, Stephens, Andrew D., Lammerding, Jan, Gabriele, Sylvain·2022·Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology

Abstract

As the home of cellular genetic information, the nucleus has a critical role in determining cell fate and function in response to various signals and stimuli. In addition to biochemical inputs, the nucleus is constantly exposed to intrinsic and extrinsic mechanical forces that trigger dynamic changes in nuclear structure and morphology. Emerging data suggest that the physical deformation of the nucleus modulates many cellular and nuclear functions. These functions have long been considered to be downstream of cytoplasmic signalling pathways and dictated by gene expression. In this Review, we discuss an emerging perspective on the mechanoregulation of the nucleus that considers the physical connections from chromatin to nuclear lamina and cytoskeletal filaments as a single mechanical unit. We describe key mechanisms of nuclear deformations in time and space and provide a critical review of the structural and functional adaptive responses of the nucleus to deformations. We then consider the contribution of nuclear deformations to the regulation of important cellular functions, including muscle contraction, cell migration and human disease pathogenesis. Collectively, these emerging insights shed new light on the dynamics of nuclear deformations and their roles in cellular mechanobiology.

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Authors
Kalukula, Y., Stephens, A. D., Lammerding, J., & Gabriele, S.
Affiliations
  • University of Mons (BE)
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst (US)
  • Cornell University (US)
Corresponding author
  • Lammerding, Jan
  • Gabriele, Sylvain
Venue
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology
Published
2022-05-05
Volume
23
Issue
9
Pages
583-602
ISSN
  • 1471-0072 (ISSN-L)
  • 1471-0080
OpenAlex
W4229069131
Cited by
475
References
291
Citations by year
2026: 111 · 2025: 154 · 2024: 116 · 2023: 77 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 1 · 2012: 1
FWCI
9.45
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
  • ORBi UMONS (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation (2022048, U54CA210184)
  • Volkswagen Foundation (96733)
  • Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS (T.0092.21)
  • Vlaamse regering
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Fonds pour la Formation à la Recherche dans l’Industrie et dans l’Agriculture
  • European Regional Development Fund (1510614)
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01HL082792)
  • National Human Genome Research Institute (UM1HG011536)
  • National Cancer Institute (U54CA210184)
  • National Institute of General Medical Sciences (R01GM137605, R00GM123195)
  • Interreg
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Nuclear Structure and Function
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Cellular Mechanics and Interactions
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Skin and Cellular Biology Research
Keywords
nuclear deformation, mechanobiology, nuclear mechanics, nuclear lamina, chromatin, cytoskeletal filaments, genome organization, cell migration, muscle contraction, signal transduction
MeSH terms
Cell Differentiation, Cell Nucleus, Chromatin, Cytoskeleton, Humans, Signal Transduction

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