Role of the nuclear lamina in genome organization and gene expression

Abstract

The nuclear lamina is a major structural component of metazoan nuclei that has long been thought to provide an anchoring site for interphase chromosomes and have a role in gene regulation. Recent genome-wide mapping studies and functional experimental data strongly support these roles of the nuclear lamina. Here, we discuss new insights into various aspects of genome-nuclear lamina interactions, with emphasis on the links with gene regulation and with dynamics during cellular differentiation. © 2010 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.