Membrane tension and cell-nucleus mechanical coupling regulate confined cell migration

Cell migration is a fundamental physiological process essential from embryogenesis to cancer metastasis. It is primarily governed by the coupled mechanics of the plasma membrane (PM) and the nucleus, together with cytoskeletal dynamics. Being the largest and stiffest organelle, the nucleus is considered a rate-limiting factor in confined migration. However, nuclear positioning varies across cell types and migration modes, and the forces orchestrating its mechanical coupling with the PM are not completely understood. In recent decades, mathematical modelling has gained relevance to support cell migration research, yet models face the fundamental challenge of balancing mechanistic detail with computational efficiency. Here, we develop a dimensionless, biophysically grounded model based on geometric surface partial differential equations (GS-PDEs) for cell migration. This approach benefits from dimensional reduction-the PM and the nuclear envelope (NE) are modelled as energetic geometric membranes-and is solved using the evolving surface finite element method (ESFEM), balancing mechanistic detail with computational feasibility. The model reproduces experimentally observed migration patterns: exhaustion of lipid reservoirs and nuclear-lamina unfolding limit PM and NE surface area, blocking cell passage through constrictions; nuclear velocity peaks upon pore exit; and nuclear movement alternates between pulling and pushing regimes. Moreover, the modelling approach makes key predictions: the velocity peak upon nuclear pore exit is driven by the release of the curvature-elastic energy stored as membrane tension at the NE rear, and PM-NE mechanical coupling can hinder cell translocation, since part of the locomotion energy is invested in nuclear positioning. The model quantifies forces that are not easily experimentally accessible, including membrane tension, bending energy, osmotic pressure, PM-NE elasticity, and contact forces, offering an interpretable platform to test and propose mechanistic hypotheses on confined cell migration.