This article explores how the cell nucleus perceives and reacts to physical environmental pressures, a process known as mechanotransduction. It details the structural components that facilitate these responses, including the nuclear envelope, LINC complexes, and chromatin, which together govern nuclear stability and gene expression. The authors describe how external stressors can trigger transcriptional changes or, in extreme cases, lead to DNA damage and genomic instability. Furthermore, the text highlights the connection between mechanical malfunctions and various pathologies such as cancer, muscular dystrophy, and progeria. By examining these mechanisms, the source emphasizes the importance of nuclear integrity in maintaining cellular health and tissue function. Finally, it suggests that advancing our knowledge of these physical interactions could lead to more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for complex diseases.

References:

• Bertillot F, Miroshnikova Y A, Wickström S A. SnapShot: Mechanotransduction in the nucleus[J]. Cell, 2022, 185(19): 3638-3638. e1.