Nuclear actin: The new normal

Mutat Res. 2020 May-Dec:821:111714. doi: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2020.111714. Epub 2020 Jul 21.

Abstract

The presence of actin in the nucleus has historically been a highly contentious issue. It is now, however, well accepted that actin has physiologically important roles in the nucleus. In this Review, we describe the evolution of our thinking about actin in the nucleus starting with evidence supporting its involvement in transcription, chromatin remodeling and intranuclear movements. We also review the growing literature on the mechanisms that regulate the import and export of actin and how post-translational modifications of actin could regulate nuclear actin. We end with an extended discussion of the role of nuclear actin in the repair of DNA double stranded breaks.

Keywords: Chromatin remodeling; DNA damage repair; Intranuclear mobility; Nuclear actin; Post-translational modifications; Transcription.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • DNA Damage*
  • DNA Repair*
  • Humans
  • Protein Transport

Substances

  • Actins
  • Chromatin