1
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Pho M, Berrada Y, Gunda A, Lavallee A, Chiu K, Padam A, Currey ML, Stephens AD. Actin contraction controls nuclear blebbing and rupture independent of actin confinement. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar19. [PMID: 38088876 PMCID: PMC10881147 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-07-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleus is a mechanically stable compartment of the cell that contains the genome and performs many essential functions. Nuclear mechanical components chromatin and lamins maintain nuclear shape, compartmentalization, and function by resisting antagonistic actin contraction and confinement. Studies have yet to compare chromatin and lamins perturbations side-by-side as well as modulated actin contraction while holding confinement constant. To accomplish this, we used nuclear localization signal green fluorescent protein to measure nuclear shape and rupture in live cells with chromatin and lamin perturbations. We then modulated actin contraction while maintaining actin confinement measured by nuclear height. Wild type, chromatin decompaction, and lamin B1 null present bleb-based nuclear deformations and ruptures dependent on actin contraction and independent of actin confinement. Actin contraction inhibition by Y27632 decreased nuclear blebbing and ruptures while activation by CN03 increased rupture frequency. Lamin A/C null results in overall abnormal shape also reliant on actin contraction, but similar blebs and ruptures as wild type. Increased DNA damage is caused by nuclear blebbing or abnormal shape which can be relieved by inhibition of actin contraction which rescues nuclear shape and decreases DNA damage levels in all perturbations. Thus, actin contraction drives nuclear blebbing, bleb-based ruptures, and abnormal shape independent of changes in actin confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Pho
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Yasmin Berrada
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Aachal Gunda
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Anya Lavallee
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Katherine Chiu
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Arimita Padam
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Marilena L. Currey
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Andrew D. Stephens
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
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2
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Chen P, Mishra S, Prabha H, Sengupta S, Levy DL. Nuclear growth and import can be uncoupled. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar1. [PMID: 37903226 PMCID: PMC10881164 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-04-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
What drives nuclear growth? Studying nuclei assembled in Xenopus egg extract and focusing on importin α/β-mediated nuclear import, we show that, while import is required for nuclear growth, nuclear growth and import can be uncoupled when chromatin structure is manipulated. Nuclei treated with micrococcal nuclease to fragment DNA grew slowly despite exhibiting little to no change in import rates. Nuclei assembled around axolotl chromatin with 20-fold more DNA than Xenopus grew larger but imported more slowly. Treating nuclei with reagents known to alter histone methylation or acetylation caused nuclei to grow less while still importing to a similar extent or to grow larger without significantly increasing import. Nuclear growth but not import was increased in live sea urchin embryos treated with the DNA methylator N-nitrosodimethylamine. These data suggest that nuclear import is not the primary driving force for nuclear growth. Instead, we observed that nuclear blebs expanded preferentially at sites of high chromatin density and lamin addition, whereas small Benzonase-treated nuclei lacking DNA exhibited reduced lamin incorporation into the nuclear envelope. In summary, we report experimental conditions where nuclear import is not sufficient to drive nuclear growth, hypothesizing that this uncoupling is a result of altered chromatin structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Sampada Mishra
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071
| | - Haritha Prabha
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071
| | - Sourabh Sengupta
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071
| | - Daniel L. Levy
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071
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3
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Turkmen AM, Saik NO, Ullman KS. The dynamic nuclear envelope: resilience in health and dysfunction in disease. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 85:102230. [PMID: 37660480 PMCID: PMC10843620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The canonical appearance of the nucleus depends on constant adaptation and remodeling of the nuclear envelope in response to changing biomechanical forces and metabolic demands. Dynamic events at the nuclear envelope play a vital role in supporting key nuclear functions as well as conferring plasticity to this organelle. Moreover, imbalance of these dynamic processes is emerging as a central feature of disease etiology. This review focuses on recent advances that shed light on the myriad events at the nuclear envelope that contribute to resilience and flexibility in nuclear architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse M Turkmen
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Natasha O Saik
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Katharine S Ullman
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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4
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Meng L. Chromatin-modifying enzymes as modulators of nuclear size during lineage differentiation. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:384. [PMID: 37863956 PMCID: PMC10589317 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01639-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of nuclear size determination and alteration during normal lineage development and cancer pathologies which is not fully understood. As recently reported, chromatin modification can change nuclear morphology. Therefore, we screened a range of pharmacological chemical compounds that impact the activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes, in order to get a clue of the specific types of chromatin-modifying enzymes that remarkably effect nuclear size and shape. We found that interrupted activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes is associated with nuclear shape abnormalities. Furthermore, the activity of chromatin-modifying enzymes perturbs cell fate determination in cellular maintenance and lineage commitment. Our results indicated that chromatin-modifying enzyme regulates cell fate decision during lineage differentiation and is associate with nuclear size alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjun Meng
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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5
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Bastianello G, Foiani M. Mechanisms controlling the mechanical properties of the nuclei. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 84:102222. [PMID: 37619290 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of the nucleus influence different cellular and nuclear functions and have relevant implications for several human diseases. The nucleus protects genetic information while acting as a mechano-sensory hub in response to internal and external forces. Cells have evolved mechano-transduction signaling to respond to physical cellular and nuclear perturbations and adopted a multitude of molecular pathways to maintain nuclear shape stability and prevent morphological abnormalities of the nucleus. Here we describe those key biological processes that control nuclear mechanics and discuss emerging perspectives on the mechanobiology of the nucleus as a diagnostic tool and clinical target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bastianello
- IFOM, The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy; Oncology and Haemato-Oncology Department, University of Milan, Milan 20122, Italy.
| | - Marco Foiani
- IFOM, The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan 20139, Italy; Oncology and Haemato-Oncology Department, University of Milan, Milan 20122, Italy.
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6
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Chen P, Mishra S, Levy DL. Nuclear growth and import can be uncoupled. bioRxiv 2023:2023.04.19.537556. [PMID: 37131802 PMCID: PMC10153267 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.19.537556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
What drives nuclear growth? Studying nuclei assembled in Xenopus egg extract and focusing on importin α/β-mediated nuclear import, we show that, while nuclear growth depends on nuclear import, nuclear growth and import can be uncoupled. Nuclei containing fragmented DNA grew slowly despite exhibiting normal import rates, suggesting nuclear import itself is insufficient to drive nuclear growth. Nuclei containing more DNA grew larger but imported more slowly. Altering chromatin modifications caused nuclei to grow less while still importing to the same extent or to grow larger without increasing nuclear import. Increasing heterochromatin in vivo in sea urchin embryos increased nuclear growth but not import. These data suggest that nuclear import is not the primary driving force for nuclear growth. Instead, live imaging showed that nuclear growth preferentially occurred at sites of high chromatin density and lamin addition, whereas small nuclei lacking DNA exhibited less lamin incorporation. Our hypothesized model is that lamin incorporation and nuclear growth are driven by chromatin mechanical properties, which depend on and can be tuned by nuclear import.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Sampada Mishra
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Daniel L. Levy
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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7
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Currey ML, Kandula V, Biggs R, Marko JF, Stephens AD. A Versatile Micromanipulation Apparatus for Biophysical Assays of the Cell Nucleus. Cell Mol Bioeng 2022; 15:303-312. [PMID: 36119136 PMCID: PMC9474788 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-022-00734-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Intro Force measurements of the nucleus, the strongest organelle, have propelled the field of mechanobiology to understand the basic mechanical components of the nucleus and how these components properly support nuclear morphology and function. Micromanipulation force measurement provides separation of the relative roles of nuclear mechanical components chromatin and lamin A. Methods To provide access to this technique, we have developed a universal micromanipulation apparatus for inverted microscopes. We outline how to engineer and utilize this apparatus through dual micromanipulators, fashion and calibrate micropipettes, and flow systems to isolate a nucleus and provide force vs. extensions measurements. This force measurement approach provides the unique ability to measure the separate contributions of chromatin at short extensions and lamin A strain stiffening at long extensions. We then investigated the apparatus’ controllable and programmable micromanipulators through compression, isolation, and extension in conjunction with fluorescence to develop new assays for nuclear mechanobiology. Results Using this methodology, we provide the first rebuilding of the micromanipulation setup outside of its lab of origin and recapitulate many key findings including spring constant of the nucleus and strain stiffening across many cell types. Furthermore, we have developed new micromanipulation-based techniques to compress nuclei inducing nuclear deformation and/or rupture, track nuclear shape post-isolation, and fluorescence imaging during micromanipulation force measurements. Conclusion We provide the workflow to build and use a micromanipulation apparatus with any inverted microscope to perform nucleus isolation, force measurements, and various other biophysical techniques. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12195-022-00734-y.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viswajit Kandula
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Department of Physics & Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, USA
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Ronald Biggs
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Department of Physics & Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, USA
| | - John F. Marko
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Department of Physics & Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, USA
| | - Andrew D. Stephens
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, USA
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8
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Kalukula Y, Stephens AD, Lammerding J, Gabriele S. Mechanics and functional consequences of nuclear deformations. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:583-602. [PMID: 35513718 PMCID: PMC9902167 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00480-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
As the home of cellular genetic information, the nucleus has a critical role in determining cell fate and function in response to various signals and stimuli. In addition to biochemical inputs, the nucleus is constantly exposed to intrinsic and extrinsic mechanical forces that trigger dynamic changes in nuclear structure and morphology. Emerging data suggest that the physical deformation of the nucleus modulates many cellular and nuclear functions. These functions have long been considered to be downstream of cytoplasmic signalling pathways and dictated by gene expression. In this Review, we discuss an emerging perspective on the mechanoregulation of the nucleus that considers the physical connections from chromatin to nuclear lamina and cytoskeletal filaments as a single mechanical unit. We describe key mechanisms of nuclear deformations in time and space and provide a critical review of the structural and functional adaptive responses of the nucleus to deformations. We then consider the contribution of nuclear deformations to the regulation of important cellular functions, including muscle contraction, cell migration and human disease pathogenesis. Collectively, these emerging insights shed new light on the dynamics of nuclear deformations and their roles in cellular mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohalie Kalukula
- University of Mons, Soft Matter and Biomaterials group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, CIRMAP, Place du Parc, 20 B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Andrew D. Stephens
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Jan Lammerding
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA,Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Sylvain Gabriele
- University of Mons, Soft Matter and Biomaterials group, Interfaces and Complex Fluids Laboratory, Research Institute for Biosciences, CIRMAP, Place du Parc, 20 B-7000 Mons, Belgium
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9
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Moreno-Andrés D, Bhattacharyya A, Scheufen A, Stegmaier J. LiveCellMiner: A new tool to analyze mitotic progression. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270923. [PMID: 35797385 PMCID: PMC9262191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Live-cell imaging has become state of the art to accurately identify the nature of mitotic and cell cycle defects. Low- and high-throughput microscopy setups have yield huge data amounts of cells recorded in different experimental and pathological conditions. Tailored semi-automated and automated image analysis approaches allow the analysis of high-content screening data sets, saving time and avoiding bias. However, they were mostly designed for very specific experimental setups, which restricts their flexibility and usability. The general need for dedicated experiment-specific user-annotated training sets and experiment-specific user-defined segmentation parameters remains a major bottleneck for fully automating the analysis process. In this work we present LiveCellMiner, a highly flexible open-source software tool to automatically extract, analyze and visualize both aggregated and time-resolved image features with potential biological relevance. The software tool allows analysis across high-content data sets obtained in different platforms, in a quantitative and unbiased manner. As proof of principle application, we analyze here the dynamic chromatin and tubulin cytoskeleton features in human cells passing through mitosis highlighting the versatile and flexible potential of this tool set.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Moreno-Andrés
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- * E-mail: (DMA), (JS)
| | - Anuk Bhattacharyya
- Institute of Imaging and Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anja Scheufen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Johannes Stegmaier
- Institute of Imaging and Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- * E-mail: (DMA), (JS)
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10
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Nickerson JA. The ribonucleoprotein network of the nucleus: a historical perspective. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 75:101940. [PMID: 35777349 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.101940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There is a long experimental history supporting the principle that RNA is essential for normal nuclear and chromatin architecture. Most of the genome is transcribed into RNA but only 2% of the sequence codes for proteins. In the nucleus, most non-coding RNA, packaged in proteins, is bound into structures including chromatin and a non-chromatin scaffolding, the nuclear matrix, which was first observed by electron microscopy. Removing nuclear RNA or inhibiting its transcription causes the condensation of chromatin, showing the importance of RNA in spatially and functionally organizing the genome. Today, powerful techniques for the molecular characterization of RNA and for mapping its spatial organization in the nucleus have provided molecular detail to these principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Nickerson
- Division of Genes & Development, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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11
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Atanasova KR, Chakraborty S, Ratnayake R, Khare KD, Luesch H, Lele TP. An epigenetic small molecule screen to target abnormal nuclear morphology in human cells. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar45. [PMID: 35323046 PMCID: PMC9265153 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-10-0528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Irregular nuclear shapes are a hallmark of human cancers. Recent studies suggest that alterations to chromatin regulators may cause irregular nuclear morphologies. Here we screened an epigenetic small molecule library consisting of 145 compounds against chromatin regulators, for their ability to revert abnormal nuclear shapes that were induced by gene knockdown in non-cancerous MCF10A human mammary breast epithelial cells. We leveraged a previously validated quantitative Fourier approach to quantify the elliptical Fourier coefficient (EFC ratio) as a measure of nuclear irregularities, which allowed us to perform rigorous statistical analyses of screening data. Top hit compounds fell into three major mode of action categories, targeting three separate epigenetic modulation routes: 1) Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors; 2) Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) protein inhibitors; and 3) Methyl-transferase inhibitors. Some of the top hit compounds were also efficacious in reverting nuclear irregularities in MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells and in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells in a cell type dependent manner. Regularization of nuclear shapes was compound-specific, cell-type specific, and dependent on the specific molecular perturbation that induced nuclear irregularities. Our approach of targeting nuclear abnormalities may be potentially useful in screening new types of cancer therapies targeted toward chromatin structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina R Atanasova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32610, USA
| | - Saptarshi Chakraborty
- Department of Biostatistics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo NY 14214, USA
| | - Ranjala Ratnayake
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32610, USA
| | - Kshitij D Khare
- Department of Statistics, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611, USA
| | - Hendrik Luesch
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32610, USA
| | - Tanmay P Lele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, and Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station TX 77843, USA
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12
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Janssen AFJ, Breusegem SY, Larrieu D. Current Methods and Pipelines for Image-Based Quantitation of Nuclear Shape and Nuclear Envelope Abnormalities. Cells 2022; 11:347. [PMID: 35159153 PMCID: PMC8834579 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Any given cell type has an associated "normal" nuclear morphology, which is important to maintain proper cellular functioning and safeguard genomic integrity. Deviations from this can be indicative of diseases such as cancer or premature aging syndrome. To accurately assess nuclear abnormalities, it is important to use quantitative measures of nuclear morphology. Here, we give an overview of several nuclear abnormalities, including micronuclei, nuclear envelope invaginations, blebs and ruptures, and review the current methods used for image-based quantification of these abnormalities. We discuss several parameters that can be used to quantify nuclear shape and compare their outputs using example images. In addition, we present new pipelines for quantitative analysis of nuclear blebs and invaginations. Quantitative analyses of nuclear aberrations and shape will be important in a wide range of applications, from assessments of cancer cell anomalies to studies of nucleus deformability under mechanical or other types of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Delphine Larrieu
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Addenbrookes Biomedical Campus, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; (A.F.J.J.); (S.Y.B.)
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13
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Abstract
Cells generate and sense mechanical forces that trigger biochemical signals to elicit cellular responses that control cell fate changes. Mechanical forces also physically distort neighboring cells and the surrounding connective tissue, which propagate mechanochemical signals over long distances to guide tissue patterning, organogenesis, and adult tissue homeostasis. As the largest and stiffest organelle, the nucleus is particularly sensitive to mechanical force and deformation. Nuclear responses to mechanical force include adaptations in chromatin architecture and transcriptional activity that trigger changes in cell state. These force-driven changes also influence the mechanical properties of chromatin and nuclei themselves to prevent aberrant alterations in nuclear shape and help maintain genome integrity. This review will discuss principles of nuclear mechanotransduction and chromatin mechanics and their role in DNA damage and cell fate regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yekaterina A Miroshnikova
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne 50931, Germany
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Sara A Wickström
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne 50931, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany
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14
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Abstract
Irregularities in nuclear shape and/or alterations to nuclear size are a hallmark of malignancy in a broad range of cancer types. Though these abnormalities are commonly used for diagnostic purposes and are often used to assess cancer progression in the clinic, the mechanisms through which they occur are not well understood. Nuclear size alterations in cancer could potentially arise from aneuploidy, changes in osmotic coupling with the cytoplasm, and perturbations to nucleocytoplasmic transport. Nuclear shape changes may occur due to alterations to cell-generated mechanical stresses and/or alterations to nuclear structural components, which balance those stresses, such as the nuclear lamina and chromatin. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying abnormal nuclear morphology and size may allow the development of new therapeutics to target nuclear aberrations in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tanmay P. Lele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Abstract
The nucleus displays a wide range of sizes and shapes in different species and cell types, yet its size scaling and many of the key structural constituents that determine its shape are highly conserved. In this review, we discuss the cellular properties and processes that contribute to nuclear size and shape control, drawing examples from across eukaryotes and highlighting conserved themes and pathways. We then outline physiological roles that have been uncovered for specific nuclear morphologies and disease pathologies associated with aberrant nuclear morphology. We argue that a comparative approach, assessing and integrating observations from different systems, will be a powerful way to help us address the open questions surrounding functional roles of nuclear size and shape in cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Cantwell
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Gautam Dey
- Cell Biology and Biophysics, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstr.1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
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16
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Flores LF, Tader BR, Tolosa EJ, Sigafoos AN, Marks DL, Fernandez-Zapico ME. Nuclear Dynamics and Chromatin Structure: Implications for Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:2624. [PMID: 34685604 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in nuclear shape have been extensively associated with the dynamics and functionality of cancer cells. In most normal cells, nuclei have a regular ellipsoid shape and minimal variation in nuclear size; however, an irregular nuclear contour and abnormal nuclear size is often observed in cancer, including pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, alterations in nuclear morphology have become the 'gold standard' for tumor staging and grading. Beyond the utility of altered nuclear morphology as a diagnostic tool in cancer, the implications of altered nuclear structure for the biology and behavior of cancer cells are profound as changes in nuclear morphology could impact cellular responses to physical strain, adaptation during migration, chromatin organization, and gene expression. Here, we aim to highlight and discuss the factors that regulate nuclear dynamics and their implications for pancreatic cancer biology.
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Strom AR, Biggs RJ, Banigan EJ, Wang X, Chiu K, Herman C, Collado J, Yue F, Ritland Politz JC, Tait LJ, Scalzo D, Telling A, Groudine M, Brangwynne CP, Marko JF, Stephens AD. HP1α is a chromatin crosslinker that controls nuclear and mitotic chromosome mechanics. eLife 2021; 10:e63972. [PMID: 34106828 PMCID: PMC8233041 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin, which consists of DNA and associated proteins, contains genetic information and is a mechanical component of the nucleus. Heterochromatic histone methylation controls nucleus and chromosome stiffness, but the contribution of heterochromatin protein HP1α (CBX5) is unknown. We used a novel HP1α auxin-inducible degron human cell line to rapidly degrade HP1α. Degradation did not alter transcription, local chromatin compaction, or histone methylation, but did decrease chromatin stiffness. Single-nucleus micromanipulation reveals that HP1α is essential to chromatin-based mechanics and maintains nuclear morphology, separate from histone methylation. Further experiments with dimerization-deficient HP1αI165E indicate that chromatin crosslinking via HP1α dimerization is critical, while polymer simulations demonstrate the importance of chromatin-chromatin crosslinkers in mechanics. In mitotic chromosomes, HP1α similarly bolsters stiffness while aiding in mitotic alignment and faithful segregation. HP1α is therefore a critical chromatin-crosslinking protein that provides mechanical strength to chromosomes and the nucleus throughout the cell cycle and supports cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Strom
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton UniversityPrincetonUnited States
| | - Ronald J Biggs
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
| | - Edward J Banigan
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science and Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Xiaotao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Katherine Chiu
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
| | - Cameron Herman
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
| | - Jimena Collado
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
| | - Feng Yue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | | | - Leah J Tait
- The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - David Scalzo
- The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Agnes Telling
- The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Mark Groudine
- The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Clifford P Brangwynne
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton UniversityPrincetonUnited States
| | - John F Marko
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern UniversityEvanstonUnited States
| | - Andrew D Stephens
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
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Askjaer P, Harr JC. Genetic approaches to revealing the principles of nuclear architecture. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 67:52-60. [PMID: 33338753 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The spatial organization of chromosomes inside the eukaryotic nucleus is important for DNA replication, repair and gene expression. During development of multicellular organisms, different compendiums of genes are either repressed or activated to produce specific cell types. Genetic manipulation of tractable organisms is invaluable to elucidate chromosome configuration and the underlying mechanisms. Systematic inhibition of genes through RNA interference and, more recently, CRISPR/Cas9-based screens have identified new proteins with significant roles in nuclear organization. Coupling this with advances in imaging techniques, such as multiplexed DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, and with tissue-specific genome profiling by DNA adenine methylation identification has increased our knowledge about the immense complexity and dynamics of the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Askjaer
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville 41013, Spain.
| | - Jennifer C Harr
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. Mary's University, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX, 78228, USA.
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Abstract
While various cell responses on material surfaces have been examined, relatively few reports are focused on significant self-deformation of cell nuclei and corresponding chromosomal repositioning. Herein, we prepared a micropillar array of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and observed significant nuclear deformation of HeLa cells on the polymeric micropillars. In particular, we detected the territory positioning of chromosomes 18 and 19 and gene expression profiles of HeLa cells on the micropillar array using fluorescence in situ hybridization and a DNA microarray. Chromosome 18 was found to be translocated closer to the nuclear periphery than chromosome 19 on the micropillar array. With the repositioning of chromosomal territories, HeLa cells changed their gene expressions on the micropillar array with 180 genes upregulated and 255 genes downregulated for all of the 23 pairs of chromosomes under the experimental conditions and the employed Bioinformatics criteria. Hence, this work deepens the understanding on cell-material interactions by revealing that material surface topography can probably influence chromosomal repositioning in the nuclei and gene expressions of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jiandong Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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Abstract
Cell nuclei are paramount for both cellular function and mechanical stability. These two roles of nuclei are intertwined as altered mechanical properties of nuclei are associated with altered cell behavior and disease. To further understand the mechanical properties of cell nuclei and guide future experiments, many investigators have turned to mechanical modeling. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of mechanical modeling of cell nuclei with an emphasis on the role of the nuclear lamina in hopes of spurring future growth of this field. The goal of this review is to provide an introduction to mechanical modeling techniques, highlight current applications to nuclear mechanics, and give insight into future directions of mechanical modeling. There are three main classes of mechanical models-schematic, continuum mechanics, and molecular dynamics-which provide unique advantages and limitations. Current experimental understanding of the roles of the cytoskeleton, the nuclear lamina, and the chromatin in nuclear mechanics provide the basis for how each component is subsequently treated in mechanical models. Modeling allows us to interpret assay-specific experimental results for key parameters and quantitatively predict emergent behaviors. This is specifically powerful when emergent phenomena, such as lamin-based strain stiffening, can be deduced from complimentary experimental techniques. Modeling differences in force application, geometry, or composition can additionally clarify seemingly conflicting experimental results. Using these approaches, mechanical models have informed our understanding of relevant biological processes such as migration, nuclear blebbing, nuclear rupture, and cell spreading and detachment. There remain many aspects of nuclear mechanics for which additional mechanical modeling could provide immediate insight. Although mechanical modeling of cell nuclei has been employed for over a decade, there are still relatively few models for any given biological phenomenon. This implies that an influx of research into this realm of the field has the potential to dramatically shape both future experiments and our current understanding of nuclear mechanics, function, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M. Hobson
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andrew D. Stephens
- Biology Department, The University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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21
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Abstract
The nucleus is the organelle in the cell that contains the genome and its associate proteins which is collectively called chromatin. New work has shown that chromatin and its compaction level, dictated largely through histone modification state, provides rigidity to protect and stabilize the nucleus. Alterations in chromatin, its mechanics, and downstream loss of nuclear shape and stability are hallmarks of human disease. Weakened nuclear mechanics and abnormal morphology have been shown to cause rupturing of the nucleus which results in nuclear dysfunction including DNA damage. Thus, the rigidity provided by chromatin to maintain nuclear mechanical stability also provides its own protection from DNA damage via compartmentalization maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Stephens
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, United States.
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