# KASH proteins transform from passive tethers to dynamic conductors of motor-driven nuclear dynamics

**Authors:** G. W. Gant Luxton, Selin Gümüşderelioğlu, Kassandra M. Ori-McKenney, Daniel A. Starr, Richard J. McKenney

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2025.102578 · 2025-11-03

## TL;DR

This paper explores how KASH proteins act as dynamic organizers of nuclear movement and positioning, impacting various cellular processes and diseases.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a new framework highlighting KASH proteins' roles beyond structural tethers, emphasizing their regulatory and disease-related functions.

## Key findings

- KASH proteins selectively recruit microtubule motor proteins to control nuclear dynamics.
- They coordinate actin and microtubule systems for cytoskeletal interactions.
- Tissue-specific regulation of KASH proteins explains diverse disease manifestations.

## Abstract

Nuclear-cytoskeletal coupling orchestrates critical cellular processes from migration to tissue organization. At the core of this machinery, outer nuclear membrane Klarsicht/ANC-1/SYNE homology (KASH) proteins function as sophisticated molecular conductors rather than simple structural tethers. This review examines three principles redefining these versatile proteins: specialized interfaces for selective microtubule motor protein recruitment that orchestrate diverse chromosomal and nuclear dynamics, coordination of multiple cytoskeletal systems through simultaneous engagement with actin and microtubules, and tissue-specific regulation that explains the diverse KASH protein-related disease manifestations. This framework provides insights into conditions from muscular dystrophy to neurodegeneration and suggests targeted therapeutic opportunities.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** muscular dystrophy (MONDO:0020121)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** neurodegeneration (MESH:D019636), muscular dystrophy (MESH:D009136)

## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12581424/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12581424