Nucleus softens during herpesvirus infection.

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Biophysics
• Virology

Background:

• Nuclear mechanics are influenced by both external and internal factors.
• Viral infections can cause significant nuclear reorganization.
• The impact of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) on nuclear mechanobiology is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how nuclear mechanics change during HSV-1 infection.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying nuclear softening during viral infection.

Main Methods:

• Advanced microscopy techniques were employed.
• Computational modeling was utilized to analyze nuclear mechanics.
• Experimental data was integrated with computational models.

Main Results:

• The cell nucleus softens significantly during HSV-1 infection.
• An enlarged viral replication compartment with low biomolecular density contributes to nuclear softening.
• Reduced outward forces, including cytoskeletal pull and intranuclear osmotic pressure, explain the decreased nuclear stiffness.
• Decreased mobility of the nuclear lamina was observed, suggesting altered rigidity.

Conclusions:

• HSV-1 infection leads to a dramatic decrease in nuclear stiffness.
• Nuclear softening is a result of complex changes in multiple mechanical forces acting on the nucleus during infection.
• Understanding these mechanobiological changes is crucial for comprehending viral pathogenesis.