Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells01:32

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

1.6K
Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...
1.6K
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions01:26

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions

2.6K
The adherens junctions that anchor cells together are multi-protein complexes that dynamically adapt to mechanical stimuli such as tensile forces and shear stress. Mechanosensory proteins in these junctions can sense such mechanical stimuli and undergo a shift in their conformation, resulting in an altered function — a process called mechanotransduction.
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin...
2.6K
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

2.6K
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
2.6K
Nucleosome Remodeling02:54

Nucleosome Remodeling

9.1K
Nucleosomes are the basic units of chromatin compaction. Each nucleosome consists of the DNA bound tightly around a histone core, which makes the DNA inaccessible to DNA binding proteins such as DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase. Hence, the fundamental problem is to ensure access to DNA when appropriate, despite the compact and protective chromatin structure.
Nucleosome remodeling complex
Eukaryotic cells have specialized enzymes called ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling enzymes. These enzymes...
9.1K
Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing02:41

Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing

7.0K
In eukaryotic cells, nascent mRNA transcripts need to undergo many post-transcriptional modifications to reach the cell cytoplasm and translate into functional proteins. For a long time, transcription and pre-mRNA processing were considered two independent events that occur sequentially in the cell. However, it has now been well established that transcription and pre-mRNA processing are two simultaneous processes that are precisely regulated inside the cell.
The chromatin structure, especially...
7.0K
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

Mechanically-gated Ion Channels

6.4K
Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
6.4K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

The RNA binding protein LIN28A mediates chromatin dynamics during neuronal differentiation.

Cell death and differentiation·2026
Same author

MeCP2 gene dosage-dependent neurodevelopmentally restricted defects arise by aberrant activation of cell fate-determining bivalent genes.

Nature communications·2026
Same author

Chromatin remodeling restrains oncogenic functions in prostate cancer.

Nature communications·2025
Same author

The molecular basis of lamin-specific chromatin interactions.

Nature structural & molecular biology·2025
Same author

Lamin A/C regulates cerebellar granule cell maturation.

Cell biology and toxicology·2025
Same author

Calcium Handling Machinery and Sarcomere Assembly are Impaired Through Multipronged Mechanisms in Cancer Cytokine-Induced Cachexia.

Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
10:28

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

Published on: September 20, 2018

6.4K

Chromatin plasticity in mechanotransduction.

Maria Vivo1, Valentina Rosti2, Sara Cervone3

  • 1Università degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano, Italy.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|May 29, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Cells sense and respond to physical forces through mechanobiology, influencing gene expression and cellular memory via epigenetic modifications. This process is vital for development, adaptation, and understanding human diseases.

More Related Videos

A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro
09:50

A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro

Published on: August 27, 2015

8.2K
Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads
07:55

Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads

Published on: March 8, 2017

8.4K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers
10:28

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

Published on: September 20, 2018

6.4K
A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro
09:50

A Simplified System for Evaluating Cell Mechanosensing and Durotaxis In Vitro

Published on: August 27, 2015

8.2K
Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads
07:55

Analyzing Cell Surface Adhesion Remodeling in Response to Mechanical Tension Using Magnetic Beads

Published on: March 8, 2017

8.4K

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Living organisms possess cellular-level mechanosensing capabilities.
  • Mechanobiology integrates physical forces with biological processes, impacting development and adaptation.
  • Cells detect mechanical signals via membrane receptors or biochemical cascades influencing gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of epigenetic modifications in cellular responses to mechanical stimuli.
  • To highlight the significance of 3D genome architecture and nuclear structures in mechanotransduction.
  • To elucidate how mechanical cues regulate cell programming and reprogramming for disease understanding.

Main Methods:

  • Review of molecular studies on cellular mechanosensing.
  • Analysis of epigenetic modifications in response to mechanical forces.
  • Examination of 3D genome architecture and nuclear structures as mechanical responders.

Main Results:

  • Cells utilize direct and indirect pathways to sense mechanical cues.
  • Epigenetic modifications and 3D genome organization are key responders to mechanical stimuli.
  • These mechanisms ensure cellular memory and adaptability to environmental changes.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding mechanotransduction is crucial for cell programming and reprogramming.
  • This knowledge advances our understanding of human diseases.
  • Cellular mechanobiology offers insights into development, adaptation, and disease pathology.