A-type lamins are the main structural components of the nucleus, which are mainly localized at the nucleus periphery. First of all, A-type lamins, together with B-type lamins and proteins of the inner nuclear membrane, form a stiff structure—the nuclear lamina. Besides maintaining the nucleus cell shape, A-type lamins play a critical role in many cellular events, such as gene transcription and epigenetic regulation. Nowadays it is clear that lamins play a very important role in determining cell fate decisions. Various mutations in genes encoding A-type lamins lead to damages of different types of tissues in humans, collectively known as laminopathies, and it is clear that A-type lamins are involved in the regulation of cell differentiation and stemness. However, the mechanisms of this regulation remain unclear. In this review, we discuss how A-type lamins can execute their regulatory role in determining the differentiation status of a cell. We have summarized recent data focused on lamin A/C action mechanisms in regulation of cell differentiation and identity development of stem cells of different origin. We also discuss how this knowledge can promote further research toward a deeper understanding of the role of lamin A/C mutations in laminopathies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number761469
Number of pages18
JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
Volume9
DOIs
StatePublished - 13 Oct 2021

    Research areas

  • cell differentiation, chromatin organization, LADs, lamin A/C, laminopathies, LMNA gene, regulation of gene expression, LMNA MUTATION, MEMBRANE PROTEINS, STEM-CELLS, C, CHROMATIN, A-TYPE LAMINS, lamin A, MUSCULAR-DYSTROPHY, DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY, MISSENSE MUTATIONS, IN-VITRO, MOUSE MODEL

    Scopus subject areas

  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology

ID: 87928638