Chromatin condensates tune nuclear mechano-sensing in Kabuki Syndrome by constraining cGAS activation

Abstract

Cells and tissue integrity is constantly challenged by the necessity to adapt and respond to mechanical loads. Among the cellular components, the nucleus possesses mechano-sensing and mechanotransduction capabilities, yet the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly defined. We postulated that the mechanical properties of the chromatin and its compartmentalization into condensates contribute to the nuclear adaptation to external forces, while preserving its integrity. By interrogating the effects of MLL4 loss-of-function in Kabuki Syndrome, we found that the balancing of transcriptional and Polycomb condensates tunes the nuclear responsiveness to external mechanical forces. We showed that MLL4 acts as a chromatin mechano-sensor by clustering into condensates through its Prion-like domain, and its response was regulated by the chromatin context. Furthermore, the mechano-sensing activity of MLL4 condensates is instrumental to withstand the physical challenges that nuclei experience during cell confinement and migration by preserving their integrity. In Kabuki Syndrome persistent rupture of nuclear envelope triggers cGAS-STING activation, which leads to programmed cell death. Ultimately, these results demonstrate the critical role chromatin compartments play in mechano-responses and how they impact pathological conditions by stimulating cGAS-STING signaling.