[Research progress in A-type lamins]

Abstract

A-type lamins are encoded by LMNA and a major component of the nuclear lamina, a dynamic meshwork located just under the nuclear envelope, providing essential mechanical support. In addition, A-type lamins associate with chromatin both directly and indirectly and have been suggested to play important roles in chromatin organization, transcription, DNA replication, and apoptosis. Mutations of LMNA or its encoding proteins can cause a series of human hereditary diseases which are collectively referred to as laminopathies. To approach functions of A-type lamins and their roles in laminopathies, this review summarizes several parts of A-type lamins, including its structure, type, modification, assembly, dynamics, interaction proteins and laminopathies.