Mathematical modeling accurately predicts the dynamics and scaling of nuclear growth in discrete cytoplasmic volumes

Scaling of nuclear size with cell size has been observed in many species and cell types. In this work we formulate a modeling framework based on the limiting component hypothesis. We derive a family of spatio-temporal mathematical models for nuclear size determination based on different transport and growth mechanisms. We analyse model properties and use in vitro experimental data to identify the most probable mechanism. This suggests that nuclear volume scales with cell volume and that a nucleus controls its import rate as it grows. We further test the model by comparing to data of early frog development, where rapid cell divisions set the relevant time scales. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

The correlation between cell size and nuclear size in different species and cell types has been observed, and a modeling framework based on the limiting component hypothesis has been formulated to study nuclear size determination mechanisms. Experimental data suggests that nuclear volume scales with cell volume.