Nuclear deformations, from signaling to perturbation and damage

Guilherme Pedreira de Freitas Nader1, Alice Williart1, Matthieu Piel1

  • 1Institut Curie and Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, Paris, France.

Summary

Cells in dense tissues must navigate physical and biochemical inputs. Recent studies show the nucleus is not just a passive structure but plays a central role in sensing these inputs. This review explores how changes in nuclear shape, caused by external and internal forces, may influence cell behavior. Small deformations may modulate signaling, while large ones can lead to nuclear envelope rupture and DNA damage. Repeated stress on the nucleus may trigger DNA surveillance mechanisms, affecting cell fate and tissue health. The findings highlight the importance of nuclear shape in maintaining cellular and tissue function.

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