Biophysical stimuli presented to cells via microenvironmental properties (e.g., alignment and stiffness) or external forces have a significant impact on cell function and behavior. Recently, the cell nucleus has been identified as a mechanosensitive organelle that contributes to the perception and response to mechanical stimuli. However, the specific mechanotransduction mechanisms that mediate these effects have not been clearly established. Here, we offer a comprehensive review of the evidence supporting (and refuting) three hypothetical nuclear mechanotransduction mechanisms: physical reorganization of chromatin, signaling at the nuclear envelope, and altered cytoskeletal structure/tension due to nuclear remodeling. Our goal is to provide a reference detailing the progress that has been made and the areas that still require investigation regarding the role of nuclear mechanotransduction in cell biology. Additionally, we will briefly discuss the role that mathematical models of cell mechanics can play in testing these hypotheses and in elucidating how biophysical stimulation of the nucleus drives changes in cell behavior. While force-induced alterations in signaling pathways involving lamina-associated polypeptides (LAPs) (e.g., emerin and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3)) and transcription factors (TFs) located at the nuclear envelope currently appear to be the most clearly supported mechanism of nuclear mechanotransduction, additional work is required to examine this process in detail and to more fully test alternative mechanisms. The combination of sophisticated experimental techniques and advanced mathematical models is necessary to enhance our understanding of the role of the nucleus in the mechanotransduction processes driving numerous critical cell functions.
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February 2017
Research-Article
The Nuclear Option: Evidence Implicating the Cell Nucleus in Mechanotransduction
Spencer E. Szczesny,
Spencer E. Szczesny
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Pennsylvania,
424 Stemmler Hall,
36th Street and Hamilton Walk,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center,
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs
Medical Center,
3900 Woodland Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19104
University of Pennsylvania,
424 Stemmler Hall,
36th Street and Hamilton Walk,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center,
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs
Medical Center,
3900 Woodland Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Search for other works by this author on:
Robert L. Mauck
Robert L. Mauck
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Pennsylvania,
424 Stemmler Hall,
36th Street and Hamilton Walk,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center,
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs
Medical Center,
3900 Woodland Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
University of Pennsylvania,
424 Stemmler Hall,
36th Street and Hamilton Walk,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center,
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs
Medical Center,
3900 Woodland Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
Department of Bioengineering,
University of Pennsylvania,
240 Skirkanich Hall,
210 South 33rd Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19104
e-mail: lemauck@mail.med.upenn.edu
University of Pennsylvania,
240 Skirkanich Hall,
210 South 33rd Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19104
e-mail: lemauck@mail.med.upenn.edu
Search for other works by this author on:
Spencer E. Szczesny
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Pennsylvania,
424 Stemmler Hall,
36th Street and Hamilton Walk,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center,
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs
Medical Center,
3900 Woodland Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19104
University of Pennsylvania,
424 Stemmler Hall,
36th Street and Hamilton Walk,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center,
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs
Medical Center,
3900 Woodland Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Robert L. Mauck
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Pennsylvania,
424 Stemmler Hall,
36th Street and Hamilton Walk,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center,
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs
Medical Center,
3900 Woodland Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
University of Pennsylvania,
424 Stemmler Hall,
36th Street and Hamilton Walk,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center,
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs
Medical Center,
3900 Woodland Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19104;
Department of Bioengineering,
University of Pennsylvania,
240 Skirkanich Hall,
210 South 33rd Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19104
e-mail: lemauck@mail.med.upenn.edu
University of Pennsylvania,
240 Skirkanich Hall,
210 South 33rd Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19104
e-mail: lemauck@mail.med.upenn.edu
1Corresponding author.
Manuscript received June 30, 2016; final manuscript received November 1, 2016; published online January 19, 2017. Assoc. Editor: Victor H. Barocas.
J Biomech Eng. Feb 2017, 139(2): 021006 (16 pages)
Published Online: January 19, 2017
Article history
Received:
June 30, 2016
Revised:
November 1, 2016
Citation
Szczesny, S. E., and Mauck, R. L. (January 19, 2017). "The Nuclear Option: Evidence Implicating the Cell Nucleus in Mechanotransduction." ASME. J Biomech Eng. February 2017; 139(2): 021006. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4035350
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