The nuclear envelope separates the nucleoplasm from the rest of the cell. It includes two lipid bilayers, nuclear pores and the nuclear lamina. Lamins are major protein components of the nuclear lamina and are present in the nuclear interior as well. They are type V intermediate filament proteins. Intensive research on lamins has been conducted since early 1970s. At first lamins were known only as major structural components of the nucleus. As our knowledge progressed, their novel functions and roles were revealed.

Lamins are components of nucleus, which not only influence organization and integrity of nuclear envelope, but are also essential for the maintenance and processing of genetic material. Therefore, disturbance of their functioning as a result of mutations in various regions of the protein molecule can have serious consequences for the number and activity of cells in various tissues. Since identifying lamin defects as important factors in a vast range of diseases, research aimed at elucidation of tissue-specific mechanisms in the pathophysiology of particular syndroms has been in progress.