Chromosome mis-segregation triggers cell cycle arrest through a mechanosensitive nuclear envelope checkpoint

Nat Cell Biol. 2025 Jan;27(1):73-86. doi: 10.1038/s41556-024-01565-x. Epub 2025 Jan 8.

Abstract

Errors during cell division lead to aneuploidy, which is associated with genomic instability and cell transformation. In response to aneuploidy, cells activate the tumour suppressor p53 to elicit a surveillance mechanism that halts proliferation and promotes senescence. The molecular sensors that trigger this checkpoint are unclear. Here, using a tunable system of chromosome mis-segregation, we show that mitotic errors trigger nuclear deformation, nuclear softening, and lamin and heterochromatin alterations, leading to rapid p53/p21 activation upon mitotic exit in response to changes in nuclear mechanics. We identify mTORC2 and ATR as nuclear deformation sensors upstream of p53/p21 activation. While triggering mitotic arrest, the chromosome mis-segregation-induced alterations of nuclear envelope mechanics provide a fitness advantage for aneuploid cells by promoting nuclear deformation resilience and enhancing pro-invasive capabilities. Collectively, this work identifies a nuclear mechanical checkpoint triggered by altered chromatin organization that probably plays a critical role in cellular transformation and cancer progression.

MeSH terms

  • Aneuploidy
  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints* / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromosome Segregation*
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 / genetics
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 / metabolism
  • Heterochromatin / genetics
  • Heterochromatin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular
  • Mice
  • Mitosis
  • Nuclear Envelope* / genetics
  • Nuclear Envelope* / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53* / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53* / metabolism

Substances

  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21
  • Heterochromatin