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Related Concept Videos

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration01:32

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration

A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker proteins that...
Cell Migration01:09

Cell Migration

Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
Cell Migration01:19

Cell Migration

Cell migration is a process by which the cells move from one location to another, playing an essential role in embryological development, repair and regeneration, immune response, and metastasis. Cells migrate in response to chemical or mechanical signals generated by specific organs or tissues. The overall mechanism includes three steps - polarization, protrusion, and release. Polarization involves the formation of a distinct cell front and rear, which determines the direction of movement.
Role of Myosin in Cell Migration01:18

Role of Myosin in Cell Migration

Myosins are multimeric motor proteins involved in various cellular processes such as migration, adhesion, and proliferation. Myosin II is the most common type in animal cells, which binds and cross-links actin filaments.
Myosin II  is a hexamer comprising two heavy chains with globular heads and coiled-coil tails, two regulatory light chains, and two essential light chains. The ATPase sites on the myosin heads hydrolyze ATP, and the released phosphate generates the force for contraction. It is...
Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia01:35

Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia

Invadosome is a broad category of cell surface structures with proteolytic activity that  degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invadosomes are present in normal cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells, and neurons, as well as tumor cells. Although the macrophage podosomes and tumor cell invadopodia are classified as invadosomes, they have different structures, molecular pathways, and functions. Podosomes are short structures that last for a few minutes. However, invadopodia can...
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility01:13

Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility

Actin is a family of globular proteins that are highly abundant in eukaryotic cells. It makes up approximately 1-5% of total cell protein concentration. Actin monomers polymerize to form a complex network of polarized filaments, the actin cytoskeleton, that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including cell motility, division, endocytosis, and metastasis of cancer cells.
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.

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Polarization increases nuclear stiffness in macrophages despite reduction in lamin A/C levels.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Combining 3D Magnetic Force Actuator and Multi-Functional Fluorescence Imaging to Study Nucleus Mechanobiology
06:54

Combining 3D Magnetic Force Actuator and Multi-Functional Fluorescence Imaging to Study Nucleus Mechanobiology

Published on: July 5, 2022

Nuclear mechanics during cell migration.

Peter Friedl1, Katarina Wolf, Jan Lammerding

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Science, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P.O. 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. P.Friedl@ncmls.ru.nl

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|November 27, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The nucleus repositions and deforms during cell migration, coordinating with cytoskeletal dynamics. Understanding nuclear biomechanics is crucial for cell migration in tissue repair and cancer.

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Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers
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Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers

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Nuclear Migration in the Drosophila Oocyte
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Nuclear Migration in the Drosophila Oocyte

Published on: May 13, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Combining 3D Magnetic Force Actuator and Multi-Functional Fluorescence Imaging to Study Nucleus Mechanobiology
06:54

Combining 3D Magnetic Force Actuator and Multi-Functional Fluorescence Imaging to Study Nucleus Mechanobiology

Published on: July 5, 2022

Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers
09:56

Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers

Published on: August 31, 2021

Nuclear Migration in the Drosophila Oocyte
04:17

Nuclear Migration in the Drosophila Oocyte

Published on: May 13, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cell migration is essential for development, immunity, and disease.
  • Nuclear positioning and deformation are critical but complex aspects of cell migration.
  • The interplay between the nucleus and cytoskeleton during migration is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe nuclear positioning and deformation during cell migration, particularly in 3D matrices.
  • To discuss molecular factors influencing nuclear shape and stiffness.
  • To review the regulation of nuclear dynamics by the cytoskeleton and its implications in disease.

Main Methods:

  • Observational studies of nuclear dynamics during cell migration.
  • Analysis of molecular components affecting nuclear shape and stiffness.
  • Review of existing literature on cytoskeletal regulation of nuclear mechanics.

Main Results:

  • The nucleus undergoes significant positional and shape changes during cell polarization and migration.
  • Actin, tubulin, and intermediate filaments dynamically interact with the nucleus.
  • Nuclear biomechanics are altered in pathological conditions, impacting migration.

Conclusions:

  • Nuclear positioning and deformation are tightly regulated by cytoskeletal machinery.
  • Dysregulation of nuclear biomechanics contributes to pathological cell migration.
  • Insights into nuclear biomechanics are vital for understanding tissue regeneration, immunity, and cancer.