Nesprins LINC the nucleus and cytoskeleton

Like other spectrin repeat proteins, nesprins co-ordinate and maintain cellular architecture by linking membranous organelles to the cytoskeleton. However nuclear envelope (NE) nesprins, uniquely hardwire the nuclear lamina to the cytoskeleton and molecular motors. Emerging evidence suggests that nesprins also form a continuous network linking the plasma membrane to the NE that potentially translates mechanical stimuli into nuclear reorganisation. Surprisingly, this network is also essential for cytoskeletal organisation and its disruption has dramatic effects on nuclear migration, centrosomal positioning, focal adhesion maturation and cell motility. Herein we review recent advances in our understanding of how nesprins couple to various filamentous systems within the cell and emphasise the importance of both KASH and KASH-less nesprin isoforms in these interactions.