LINC complex

This article is about the cytoskeletal complex. For the complex involved in cell-cycle dependent gene expression, see DREAM complex.

The LINC complex (Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton) is a protein complex associated with both inner and outer membranes of the nucleus. It is composed of SUN-domain proteins and KASH-domain proteins. The SUN-domain proteins are associated with both nuclear lamins and chromatin and cross the inner nuclear membrane. They interact with the KASH-domain proteins in the perinuclear (lumen) space between the two membranes. The KASH domain proteins cross the outer nuclear membrane and interact with actin filaments, microtubule filaments (through dynein and kinesin motors), intermediate filaments (through spectrin), centrosomes and cytoplasmic organelles. The number of SUN-domain and KASH-domain proteins increased in evolution.[1]

Function

The function of the LINC complex appears to be in many cell activities. These include nuclear relocation/movement, moving meiotic chromosomes to find their homologues at leptotene/zygotene, attaching the centrosome to the outer nuclear membrane and responding to extracellular mechanical stimuli.[2] LINC complex, by virtue of providing internal cell connectivity, is required for sensing of various mechanical stimuli including high frequency vibrations.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Crisp et al. (2005) "Coupling of the nucleus and cytoplasm: role of the LINC complex" Journal of Cell Biology 172,41-53 PMID 16380439
  2. ↑ Tapley and Starr (2013) "Connecting the nucleus to the cytoskeleton by SUN-KASH bridges across the nuclear envelope" Current Opinions in Cell Biology,57-62 PMID 23149102
  3. ↑ Uzer et al.(2015) "Cell mechanosensitivity to extremely low magnitude signals is enabled by a LINCed nucleus" Stem Cells,doi: 10.1002/stem.2004 PMID 25787126
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