Nuclear lamins: major factors in the structural organization and function of the nucleus and chromatin.
Over the past few years it has become evident that the intermediate filament proteins, the types A and B nuclear lamins, not only provide a structural framework for the nucleus, but are also essential for many aspects of normal nuclear function. Insights into lamin-related functions have been derived from studies of the remarkably large number of disease-causing mutations in the human lamin A gene. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the functions of nuclear lamins, emphasizing their roles in epigenetics, chromatin organization, DNA replication, transcription, and DNA repair. In addition, we discuss recent evidence supporting the importance of lamins in viral infections.
Dechat
Thomas
T
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Pfleghaar
Katrin
K
Sengupta
Kaushik
K
Shimi
Takeshi
T
Shumaker
Dale K
DK
Solimando
Liliana
L
Goldman
Robert D
RD
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D034882:Lamins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009154:Mutation; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D011371:Progeria / Q000235:genetics
D002843:Chromatin; D034882:Lamins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins