Label-free imaging shows higher water content and stiffness in cell nuclei during aging

Senescent nuclei show an increased high-frequency viscoelastic response despite increased water content and volume.

• Cellular senescence is associated with complex changes in nuclear mechanics.
• An increase in nuclear water content and volume occurs in senescent cells.
• There is a decrease in biomolecular density in senescent nuclei.
• The alterations in nuclear mechanics are not solely due to molecular condensation.
• These findings relate to discussions on chromatin reorganization.

Simplified