Dynamins maintain nuclear envelope homeostasis and genome stability

The nuclear envelope is a protective barrier for the genome and a mechanotransduction interface between cytoplasm and nucleus, whose malfunction disrupts nucleocytoplasmic transport, compromises DNA repair, accelerates telomere shortening, and promotes genomic instability. Mechanisms governing nuclear envelope remodeling and maintenance in interphase and post-mitotic cells remain poorly understood. Here, we report a role for dynamins, a family of essential brain-enriched membrane- and microtubule-binding GTPases, in preserving nuclear envelope and genomic homeostasis. Cells lacking dynamins exhibit nuclear envelope dysmorphisms, including buds with long narrow necks where damaged DNA frequently accumulates. These cells also show impaired autophagic clearance, reduced levels of key DNA repair proteins, and aberrant microtubules. Nocodazole treatment restores nuclear morphology and reduces DNA damage. Collectively, the data reveal that dynamins promote nuclear envelope homeostasis and removal of damaged DNA via their GTPase activity and interaction with microtubules, providing insights into mechanisms that uphold genome stability and counteract aging-related pathologies. Mechanisms ensuring the maintenance of the nuclear envelope -- a structure with roles in mechanical integrity, chromatin organization, and nucleocytoplasmic transport -- are not fully understood. Here, the authors show that dynamins preserve nuclear envelope homeostasis via their GTPase activity and microtubule interactions.