Cytoplasm mechanics and cellular organization

As cells organize spatially or divide, they translocate many micron-scale organelles in their cytoplasm. These include endomembrane vesicles, nuclei, microtubule asters, mitotic spindles, or chromosomes. Organelle motion is powered by cytoskeleton forces but is opposed by viscoelastic forces imparted by the surrounding crowded cytoplasm medium. These resistive forces associated to cytoplasm physcial properties remain generally underappreciated, yet reach significant values to slow down organelle motion or even limit their displacement by springing them back towards their original position. The cytoplasm may also be itself organized in time and space, being for example stiffer or more fluid at certain locations or during particular cell cycle phases. Thus, cytoplasm mechanics may be viewed as a labile module that contributes to organize cells. We here review emerging methods, mechanisms, and concepts to study cytoplasm mechanical properties and their function in organelle positioning, cellular organization and division.