Lamin A/C, laminopathies and premature ageing

Histol Histopathol. 2008 Jun;23(6):747-63. doi: 10.14670/HH-23.747.

Abstract

Lamin A/C belongs to type V intermediate filaments and constitutes the nuclear lamina and nuclear matrix, where a variety of nuclear activities occur. Lamin A/C protein is firstly synthesized as a precursor and is further proteolytically processed by the zinc metallo-proteinase Ste24 (Zmpste24). Lamin A/C mutations cause a series of human diseases, collectively called laminopathies, the most severe of which is Hutchinson Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and restrictive dermopathy (RD) which arises due to an unsuccessful maturation of prelamin A. Although the exact underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood, genomic instability, defective nuclear mechanics and mechanotransduction, have been hypothesized to be responsible for laminopathy-based premature ageing. Removal of unprocessed prelamin A (progerin) or rescue of defective DNA repair could be potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HGPS in future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging, Premature / genetics*
  • Aging, Premature / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Lamin Type A / genetics*
  • Lamin Type A / metabolism
  • Lipodystrophy / genetics*
  • Lipodystrophy / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Precursors / genetics
  • Protein Precursors / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • LMNA protein, human
  • Lamin Type A
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Protein Precursors
  • prelamin A