Is the plant nucleus a mechanical rheostat?
Rituparna Goswami1, Atef Asnacios2, Olivier Hamant3
1Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67084 Strasbourg, France; Laboratoire de Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Université de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, ENS de Lyon, INRA, CNRS, 69364 Lyon, France.
Current Opinion in Plant Biology
|October 31, 2020
Summary
The cell nucleus, a physical entity, influences gene expression and development through its mechanical properties. This research explores nuclear mechanics as a "rheostat" controlling cellular processes, with implications for both animal and plant biology.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The cell nucleus is increasingly recognized for its physical properties beyond its biochemical functions.
- Nuclear mechanics is implicated in critical cellular processes like gene expression and cytoskeleton organization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of nuclear mechanics in orchestrating cell and developmental biology.
- To explore the nucleus's function as a mechanical rheostat controlling gene expression.
- To survey current knowledge and highlight differences between animal and plant systems.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on animal studies.
- Analysis of recent advances in plant nuclear mechanotransduction.
- Comparative analysis of nuclear mechanics in animal versus plant systems.
Main Results:
- Nuclear mechanics significantly influences gene expression and development, particularly in animal systems.
- The nucleus acts as a mechanical rheostat, modulating cellular functions.
- Plant nuclear mechanotransduction data is emerging, showing distinct characteristics compared to animal systems.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear mechanics is a crucial factor in cell and developmental biology.
- Further research into plant nuclear mechanotransduction is warranted.
- Understanding nuclear mechanics offers new avenues for studying development and gene regulation.
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