Figure 2.

Mechanical stress experienced by the nucleus. (a) Diagram of a stationary cell. When cells are cultured on 2D surfaces, the nucleus can be subjected to tensional forces emanating from stress fibers (T_SF) and compressive forces due to the actin cap (C_AC) structures and the resistance of the surface (C_R). The red solid lines represent the actin filaments; (b) In 3D, cells may also experience both tension, generated by vimentin-associated actomyosin filaments (orange structures) (T_V-AM) and compression resulting from the high pressure of the anterior compartment (C_HP).