# cPLA2α targeting to exosomes connects nuclear deformation to LTB4-signaling during neutrophil chemotaxis

## TL;DR

Nuclear squeezing in neutrophils activates a lipid signal that helps them maintain direction when moving through tight spaces.

## Contribution

cPLA2α acts as a nuclear curvosensor, linking nuclear deformation to exosomal LTB4 production and chemotactic persistence.

## Key findings

- cPLA2α localizes to inner nuclear membrane microdomains in response to nuclear squeezing.
- Exosomal LTB4 synthesis sustains neutrophil polarity and directional movement after constriction.
- cPLA2α-dependent mechanochemical signaling enhances chemotactic efficiency in confined environments.

## Abstract

Efficient neutrophil chemotaxis requires the integration of mechanical forces and lipid-mediated signaling. While the signaling lipid leukotriene B4 (LTB4) reinforces cellular polarity, how mechanical cues regulate its production remains unclear. We now show that cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α), which is essential for the synthesis of LTB4, functions as a nuclear curvosensor. cPLA2α responds to nuclear squeezing by localizing to ceramide-rich inner nuclear membrane microdomains and incorporating onto the exofacial surface of nuclear envelope–derived exosomes. This unique topology enables localized LTB4 synthesis, which synchronizes calcium spikes, promotes myosin light chain II phosphorylation, and sustains polarity and directional persistence after constriction. In neutrophils passing through tight spaces, cPLA2α activity drives the chemotactic response to nuclear squeezing by promoting exosomal LTB4 production and persistence after constriction. These findings uncover a cPLA2α-dependent mechanochemical axis linking nuclear architecture to chemotactic efficiency and offer alternative strategies to modulate inflammatory responses.

Nuclear squeezing triggers lipid signals that help neutrophils stay on course through tight spaces.