Lamins

Lamins are protein filaments that provide structural support to the nucleus of eukaryotic (complex) cells. They are an integral part of the nuclear envelope, a double membrane that surrounds the nucleus, and serve to maintain the shape and integrity of the nucleus as well as to mediate numerous processes such as gene regulation, cell division, and DNA repair. In addition, lamins play a central role in the proper functioning of the cell and in preventing diseases such as Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy and Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. Lamins have also been found to be involved in the progression of some cancers, and their expression levels have been linked with the degree of malignancy of the tumor. Therefore, lamins are of great importance in understanding basic cell biology as well as in diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.