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A-type lamins: Guardians of the soma?

Nature Cell Biology volume 6, pages 1062–1067 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

The gene LMNA encodes the proteins lamins A and C and is implicated in nine different laminopathies — inherited diseases that are linked to premature ageing. Recent evidence has demonstrated that lamins A and C have essential functions in protecting cells from physical damage, as well as in maintaining the function of transcription factors required for the differentiation of adult stem cells. Thus, the degenerative nature of laminopathies is explained because these lamins are essential for maintenance of somatic tissues in adulthood.

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Figure 1: Generalized structure of cytoplasmic intermediate-filament proteins compared to lamins.
Figure 2: Model of the lamina connected to the actin cytoskeleton.
Figure 3: Lamin-A–LAP2α complexes are required for Rb function.

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Acknowledgements

C.J.H. is supported by grants from the Association for International Cancer Research, the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and the Wellcome Trust. H.J.W. is supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the American Diabetes Association.

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  1. the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 4EB, UK

    Chris J. Hutchison

  2. Howard J. Worman is at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, 10th Floor, Room 508, New York, 10032, NY, USA

    Howard J. Worman

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Correspondence to Chris J. Hutchison.

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Hutchison, C., Worman, H. A-type lamins: Guardians of the soma?. Nat Cell Biol 6, 1062–1067 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb1104-1062

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