Actin on and around the Nucleus. Issue 3 (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davidson, Patricia M.; Cadot, Bruno
• Is Part Of: Trends in cell biology. Volume 31:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 211
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: actin -- nucleus -- Nesprin -- mechanotransduction -- mitosis -- myosin; Cytology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Research -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.11.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8924

Abstract

Abstract : Actin plays roles in many important cellular processes, including cell motility, organelle movement, and cell signaling. The discovery of transmembrane actin-binding proteins at the outer nuclear membrane (ONM) raises the exciting possibility that actin can play a role in direct force transmission to the nucleus and the genome at its interior. Actin-dependent nucleus displacement was first described a decade ago. We are now gaining a more detailed understanding of its mechanisms, as well as new roles for actin during mitosis and meiosis, for gene expression, and in the cell's response to mechanical stimuli. Here we review these recent developments, the actin-binding proteins involved, the tissue specificity of these mechanisms, and methods developed to reconstitute and study this interaction in vitro . Highlights: Direct connections between the actin cytoskeleton and the nucleus govern nuclear positioning, nuclear movement during cell polarization and migration, nuclear movement before and after mitosis and meiosis, nuclear envelope breakdown, mechanotransduction, and gene expression. The nucleus directly connects to actin through transmembrane proteins (LINC complex proteins) complemented by a large family of actin-associated proteins that interact with proteins of the nuclear envelope. Actin can act indirectly on the nucleus to displace it, to protect it from external forces, and to dampen mechanical stimuli. However, the compression exerted by actin can cause nuclear rupture. Interactions between the nucleus and actin are studied in vitro using isolated nuclei and reconstituted actin networks.