Mechanical Stimulation Induces Formin-Dependent Assembly of a Perinuclear Actin Rim

Significance Cells can sense and adapt to their physical microenvironment through specific mechanosensing mechanisms. These properties are often mediated by the actin cytoskeleton, which can be affected by a wide range of forces, including fluid shear stress, cyclic stretch, and optical or magnetic force. However, the immediate effects of force on the assembly of actin structures distal from the sites of force application were not assessed. Our work reveals a previously unidentified actin structure, a perinuclear actin rim, which is induced by mechanical stimulation of cells. We show that, on local force application to the cell periphery, a distal effect emerges at the perinuclear region. Such distal effects have potential implications in modulating nuclear functions by local mechanical signals from the cell periphery.