The Journal of Cell Biology· 2026Q1
Mechanically induced septin networks protect nuclear integrity
- 1citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Septin filaments form a dynamic network that protects the nucleus from mechanical damage, accumulating in response to compressive forces and preventing nuclear membrane rupture.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Septins localize to actin stress fibers positioned under the nucleus.
- Septin formation is rescued by a large glass bead replacing the nucleus, suggesting mechanical induction.
- Septin accumulation increases with compressive force on the cell, particularly where the nucleus contacts the cell cortex.
- Loss of septin filaments (SEPT7 knockdown) increases nuclear membrane rupture during confinement.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
The cytoskeleton is a key mediator of mechanical interactions in cells, but specific contributions of septins remain unclear. Septins preferentially localize with a subset of actin stress fibers positioned under the nucleus, where they are situated between the membrane and stress fibers. Removing the nucleus from the cell results in the loss of these subnuclear septin-decorated stress fibers. Surprisingly, however, their formation can be rescued using a large glass bead in place of the nucleus. Similarly, applying a compressive force to the cell via confinement, whether externally or through internally generated actomyosin forces, results in increased septin accumulation in regions where the nucleus engages the cell cortex. Finally, loss of septin filaments via knockdown of SEPT7 increases nuclear membrane rupture during confinement. Together, these data argue that septins act as a dynamic mechanosensitive protective network to buffer mechanical forces on the nucleus.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. The Journal of Cell Biology, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Cell Biology
Cell BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology