Biomechanics of the nucleus and epigenetics during cell migration

Cell migration is central to numerous biological functions in embryogenesis, tissue renewal and immunity. Migration of a cell though tissues requires its interaction with its matrix environment, and recently it has become clear that cell plasticity is critical for this motility through narrow spaces. For that, the cell needs to alter the physical properties of the nucleus, as the major and most rigid organelle in the cell body. Most of these advances link the expression of nuclear components, such as lamins, with cell plasticity; however how epigenetic changes affect cell migration is poorly understood. Epigenetic changes control gene transcription and DNA homeostasis, and some of them have been linked to active migration and motility of certain cancer cells. Our work will provide novel insights on how cell-matrix interactions control normal and tumor lymphocyte migration through tissues, which will impact on future treatments for human diseases and cancer.