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. Currently, it is clear that lamins are responsible not only for mechanical functions but also organization of chromatin, DNA replication, regulation of transcription factors, epigenetics, DNA repair, transcription, cell cycle regulation, cell development and differentiation, nuclear migration and apoptosis. Recent studies have provided evidences in support of lamin function in virus infection, tumorogenesis, mitosis and for linking the nucleoplasm to all major cytoskeletal networks. Mutations in nuclear lamina genes may cause a wide range of heritable human diseases.