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Two- and Three-Dimensional Live Cell Imaging of DNA Damage Response Proteins
Published on: September 28, 2012
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Vimentin protects cells against nuclear rupture and DNA damage during migration
Alison E Patteson1,2, Amir Vahabikashi3, Katarzyna Pogoda1,4
1Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
The Journal of Cell Biology
|November 3, 2019
Summary
Vimentin intermediate filaments (VIFs) protect the nucleus and genome during cell migration by supporting nuclear shape and stiffness. Loss of VIFs increases nuclear rupture and DNA damage, highlighting their crucial protective role.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Genomics
Background:
- Cell migration is essential for embryogenesis, wound healing, and metastasis.
- Nuclear size and shape influence cell mechanics during migration through confined spaces.
- Vimentin intermediate filaments (VIFs) are expressed during cell migration, but their nuclear role is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of VIFs in regulating nuclear mechanics and genome integrity during cell migration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized wild-type and vimentin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts.
- Assessed nuclear shape, perinuclear stiffness, and 3D cell motility.
- Quantified nuclear rupture and DNA damage response.
Main Results:
- VIFs regulate nuclear shape and perinuclear stiffness.
- Vimentin-null cells exhibit impaired 3D motility and reduced resistance to deformation.
- Loss of VIFs increases nuclear rupture and DNA damage, which is reversible upon vimentin re-expression.
Conclusions:
- VIFs provide essential mechanical support to the nucleus, protecting it and the genome during migration.
- Vimentin plays a critical role in maintaining nuclear integrity and preventing genotoxicity in migrating cells.
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