Nuclear Mechanics within Intact Cells Is Regulated by Cytoskeletal Network and Internal Nanostructures

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Mechanobiology

Background:

• Cellular nucleus mechanics are crucial for cell migration, gene transcription, and differentiation.
• Existing methods for studying nuclear mechanics require cell isolation or cytoskeleton disruption, limiting in-vivo insights.
• The interplay between nuclear components and the intracellular environment remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the regulation of nuclear mechanics in intact cells under physiological conditions.
• To explore the influence of internal nuclear components and the cytoskeleton on nuclear mechanical properties.
• To understand the mechanisms governing nuclear mechanical regulation in health and disease.

Main Methods:

• Utilized all-optical Brillouin microscopy for non-invasive nuclear property assessment.
• Employed 3D chemomechanical modeling to simulate and analyze nuclear behavior.
• Investigated the effects of epigenetic modifications and cytoskeletal dynamics on nuclear mechanics.

Main Results:

• Nuclear modulus is modulated by epigenetic regulation of nuclear nanostructures like lamin A/C and chromatin.
• Cytoskeletal behavior significantly regulates nuclear modulus via a conserved mechanism.
• Demonstrated the ability to study nuclear mechanics within intact cells without disruption.

Conclusions:

• Nuclear mechanics are dynamically regulated by both internal epigenetic factors and external cytoskeletal forces.
• This research provides a novel approach to studying nuclear mechanics in physiological contexts.
• Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is vital for elucidating cellular functions and pathological conditions.