How nuclear mechanics influence tissue formation  – Gimm How nuclear mechanics influence tissue formation  – Gimm

  October 30, 2024

How nuclear mechanics influence tissue formation 

Our cells are constantly moving and dividing to form complex tissues and organs, including the eyes and the brain. In recent years, it has become clear that mechanics play a crucial role in these processes, along with biochemical signals. 

One key player of cell movement is the nucleus, the largest and one of the stiffest organelles, which holds the genetic material. Its stiffness directly impacts nuclear movement – a key factor in forming tissues like the retina or parts of the brain. In early development, nuclei are softer, moving flexibly through tissues due to low levels of a nuclear-stiffening protein called Lamin A. As development progresses, the nucleus stiffens to protect the genetic material within.

And what happens when the nucleus stiffens? Today, in a new study published in Current Biology, Mariana Maia-Gil, led by Caren Norden, group leader at GIMM, explored how stiff nuclei reach the top of neuroepithelial cells for division.

“This study shows how nuclear stiffness influences nuclear and cell movement and contributes to explain how tissues like our eyes and others develop correctly”, says Caren Norden, about the relevance of the study.



The researchers found that increasing Lamin A in the nuclei, making them stiffer, slowed their movement, especially in crowded tissues, while a stiffer environment also hindered movement, even for nuclei with normal stiffness. By understanding the changes in nuclei mechanics during the formation of tissues, these findings can contribute to developing strategies to modulate nuclear stiffness during development, homeostasis, and disease in future studies, promoting timely and successful tissue formation, while protecting the genetic material.


Read the original research article here.

5 1 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x