Nuclear and cytoplasmic remodeling of ectocervical cells by high activity of gelsolin

Our study focuses on gelsolin (GSN), a pivotal and extensively researched protein that interacts with p53 and actin, regulating cytoskeletal remodeling and motility within cellular stress responses (CSR). This research investigates the cytoskeletal changes linked to exceeding intracellular GSN level in cytopathological contexts, specifically examining morphological alterations in ex vivo ectocervical cells. Our analyses reveal significant variations in nuclear and cell size, alongside specific morphological changes linked to high intracellular GSN concentrations. Fluorescence emission from Pap-stained cells was demonstrated as a cost-effective method to assess overall cytoplasmic and nuclear activity. This technique provides valuable insights into cellular stress responses and allows for the differentiation between inflammation- and HPV-related halos and nuclear irregularities. We can hypothesise that perinuclear GSN may be involved in perinuclear halo formation and nuclear remodeling, which are mediated by Ca²⁺ levels and can be altered by HPV infection. We propose the YAP/GSN ratio as a critical factor for epithelial differentiation and stress adaptation, offering a diagnostic marker for malignancy prediction.