Acute chromatin decompaction stiffens the nucleus as revealed by nanopillar-induced nuclear deformation in cells.

ABSTRACT: Chromatin architecture is critical in determining nuclear mechanics. Most studies focus on the mechanical rigidity conferred by chromatin condensation from densely packed heterochromatin, but less is known on how transient chromatin decompaction impinge on nucleus stiffness. Here, we used an array of vertically aligned nanopillars to study nuclear deformability in situ after chromatin decompaction in cells. The nucleus significantly stiffened within 4 h of chromatin decompaction but softened at longer timescales. This acute stiffening of the nucleus was underpinned predominantly by an increase in nucleus volume and nuclear import, and partially by enhanced lamin protein recruitment to the periphery. The coupling between nucleus stiffening and acute chromatin decompaction was observed in lo

SUBMITTER: Mitra A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12088434 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature