The integration of tissue structure and nuclear function

Living cells can filter the same set of biochemical signals to produce diff erent functional outcomes depending on the deformation of the cell. It has been suggested that the cell may be "hard-wired" such that external forces can mediate internal nuclear changes through the modification of establishe d, balanced, internal cytoskeletal tensions. This review will discuss the p otential of subnuclear structures and nuclear chromatin to participate in o r respond to transduction of mechanical signals originating outside the nuc leus. The mechanical interactions of intranuclear structure with the nuclea r lamina will be examined. The nuclear lamina, in turn, provides a structur al link between the nucleus and the cytoplasmic and cortical cytoskeleton. These mechanical couplings may provide a basis for regulating gene expressi on through changes in cell shape.