Setting Up to Divide: Nuclear Mechanotransduction in the Regulation of Mitosis

As the largest and stiffest cellular organelle, the nucleus is continuously under the influence of mechanical forces from external and internal sources. These forces trigger an adaptive response at the nuclear level that include changes in nucleocytoplasmic transport, chromatin architecture, or transcriptional activity, ultimately driving cell proliferation or differentiation. In preparation for mitosis, nuclear structure and organization is modified to ensure that chromosomes are efficiently captured and correctly separated. How these modifications impact the mechanical response of the nucleus remains a largely unexplored area. One emerging concept is that changes in the mechanical properties of the nucleus during early mitosis are required to ensure the timing and accuracy of chromosome segregation. This review will discuss the contribution of key nuclear components to nuclear mechanics and their relevance for chromosome segregation fidelity.