Studying Nuclear Dynamics in Response to Actin Disruption in Planta

The plant nucleus and the actin cytoskeleton are intimately connected. The actin cytoskeleton is pivotal for nuclear positioning, shape, and dynamics. These properties of the nucleus are important for its functions during normal development and in response to external cues such as biotic and abiotic stresses. Moreover, we know that there is a direct physical connection between the actin cytoskeleton and the nucleus which spans the double-membraned nuclear envelope into the nuclear lamina, and this connection is called the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. Recently a role for actin in regulating inter-nuclear organization via the control of nuclear invaginations has emerged. Therefore, a detailed understanding of nuclear shape, organization, and dynamics and the techniques used to measure and quantify these metrics will allow us to determine and further understand the contribution made by actin to these parameters. The protocols described here will allow researchers to determine the circularity index of a nucleus, quantify nuclear deformations, and determine dynamics of nuclei within plant cells.