Figure 5.

Chromatin is a major contributor to nuclear mechanics. (A) Chromatin (pink) and lamins (red) play key roles in the mechanical protection of the nuclear shape and stability. Actin (green) and microtubules (orange) antagonize nuclear shape stability. (B) A schematic showing the force response of the nucleus during large and small strains. For small strains, the chromatin acts as a spring that resists stretching, while lamins contribute little as they bend easily. Longer deformations strain nuclear lamins. (C) During migration, the nucleus protrudes into the pore resulting in large deformations that necessitates and activates lamin A resistance to maintain shape stability. Shape disruption can result in nuclear ruptures that lead to DNA damage [279]. Created with BioRender.com.