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Spatio-temporal control of nuclear mechanotransduction during Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

Bouzignac, R.; Palandri, A.; Zine el Aabidine, A.; Mangeat, T.; Merle, T.; Cazales, M.; Trullo, A.; Rouviere, C.; Pimmett, V.; Lagha, M. L.; Suzanne, M.

2025-09-22 cell biology
10.1101/2025.08.25.672162 bioRxiv
Show abstract

During epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cells generate mechanical forces. How the nucleus reacts to these mechanical cues, ensuring a tight balance between mechano-protection and mechanotransduction, is a key yet unresolved question. Here we dissect the spatio-temporal control of nuclear mechanostransduction during EMT, using Drosophila mesoderm invagination as a model. We found that two conserved pro-EMT genes respond differently to compressive forces: while snail transcription remains unaffected, compression is sufficient to activate twist transcription within seconds. We further revealed a spatially patterned genome-wide transcriptional response to EMT forces, with an apical mechanoprotection contrasting with a permissive basal nuclear environment. The direct recording of nascent transcription in response to a controlled nuclear micromanipulation provides compelling evidence of nuclear heterogeneity in the transcriptional response to forces. Overall, these results reveal that EMT nuclei respond directly and rapidly to mechanical forces, in a spatially defined pattern.

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