As an important intracellular genetic and regulatory center, the nucleus is not only a terminal effector of intracellular biochemical signals, but also has a significant impact on cell function and phenotype through direct or indirect regulation of nuclear mechanistic cues after the cell senses and responds to mechanical stimuli. The nucleus relies on chromatin-nuclear membrane-cytoskeleton infrastructure to couple signal transduction, and responds to these mechanical stimuli in the intracellular and extracellular physical microenvironments. Changes in the morphological structure of the nucleus are the most intuitive manifestation of this mechanical response cascades and are the basis for the direct response of the nucleus to mechanical stimuli. Based on such relationships of the nucleus with cell behavior and phenotype, abnormal nuclear morphological changes are widely used in clinical practice as disease diagnostic tools. This review article highlights the latest advances in how nuclear morphology responds and adapts to mechanical stimuli. Additionally, this article will shed light on the factors that mechanically regulate nuclear morphology as well as the tumor physio-pathological processes involved in nuclear morphology and the underlying mechanobiological mechanisms. It provides new insights into the mechanisms that nuclear mechanics regulates disease development and its use as a potential target for diagnosis and treatment.
Objective To review mechanobiological events during peripheral nerve development and the associated mechanotransduction mechanisms, with the aim of improving understanding of the potential mechanical basis underlying neurological diseases. Methods A comprehensive survey of recent domestic and international literature was conducted to systematically summarize advances in biomechanical research within the field of neuroscience. Results All three stages of peripheral nerve network development are regulated by distinct types of mechanical cues and are characterized by unique mechanobiological events. The sensing and response of neural cells to these mechanical stimuli depend on a range of mechanosensitive molecules. Through the coordinated action of these molecules, extracellular mechanical signals are transduced into intracellular biochemical signals via multiple mechanotransduction pathways, ultimately influencing cellular functions and behaviors. Conclusion Peripheral nerves exhibit a high degree of mechanosensitivity, enabling them to perceive and respond to the mechanical properties of their microenvironment and to adapt their functional states through mechanotransduction. This provides a theoretical basis for optimizing tension-reduction strategies in peripheral nerve repair and reconstruction, as well as for the design of nerve conduits and rehabilitation protocols involving mechanical stimulation.