Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
09:02
Validation of a Mouse Model to Disrupt LINC Complexes in a Cell-specific Manner
Published on: December 10, 2015
LINC complexes in health and disease
1National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. alexandre.mejat@ens-lyon.fr
Nucleus (Austin, Tex.)
|February 18, 2011
Summary
Linkers of the nucleoskeleton to the cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes physically connect the nucleus and cytoplasm. These LINC proteins are crucial for cellular processes including mechanotransduction and human disease.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- The cell nucleus communicates with the cytoplasm through nucleocytoplasmic transport via nuclear pores.
- Linkers of the nucleoskeleton to the cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes represent direct mechanical links between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the components of LINC complexes.
- To highlight the emerging roles of LINC complexes in various cellular functions and diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on LINC complex structure and function.
- Analysis of LINC complex involvement in cellular processes.
Main Results:
- LINC complexes comprise four core components: INM and ONM transmembrane proteins interacting in the NE lumen.
- INM LINC components link to the lamina or INM-associated proteins.
- ONM LINC components connect to cytoskeletal elements.
Conclusions:
- LINC complexes are essential mediators of mechanical signals between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
- Emerging roles include mechanotransduction, nuclear migration, chromosome positioning, signaling, meiosis, cytoskeletal organization, and implications in human disease.
Related Concept Videos
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)...
02:40Ligand Binding Sites
Proteins are dynamic macromolecules that carry out a wide variety of essential processes; however, the activities of most proteins depend on their interactions with other molecules or ions, known as ligands.
Protein-ligand interactions are quite specific; even though numerous potential ligands surround a cellular protein at any given time, only a particular ligand can bind to that protein. Moreover, a ligand binds only to a dedicated area on the surface of the protein, known as the...
Protein-ligand interactions are quite specific; even though numerous potential ligands surround a cellular protein at any given time, only a particular ligand can bind to that protein. Moreover, a ligand binds only to a dedicated area on the surface of the protein, known as the...
01:41The Supercomplexes in the Crista Membrane
The mitochondrial cristae membrane is the primary site for the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) process of energy conversion mediated through respiratory complexes I to V. These complexes have been widely studied for decades, and it has been proven that they form supramolecular structures called respiratory supercomplexes (SC). These higher-order complexes may be crucial in maintaining the biochemical structure and improving the physiological activity of the individual complexes while...
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
01:31Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
02:15Condensins
Condensins are large protein complexes that use ATP to fuel the assembly of chromosomes during mitosis. They transform the tangled, shapeless mass of post-interphase DNA into individualized chromosomes by compacting, organizing, and segregating chromosomal DNA.
The plant and animal cells contain two types of condensin complexes—condensin I and condensin II. Both complexes have five subunits: two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) subunits, a kleisin subunit, and two HEAT-repeat...
The plant and animal cells contain two types of condensin complexes—condensin I and condensin II. Both complexes have five subunits: two SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) subunits, a kleisin subunit, and two HEAT-repeat...