The lamin family of proteins make up the matrix and are highly conserved in evolution. During mitosis, the lamina matrix is reversibly disassembled as the lamin proteins are phosphorylated. Lamin proteins are thought to be involved in nuclear stability, chromatin structure and gene expression. Vertebrate lamins consist of two types, A and B. B-type lamins undergo a series of modifications, such as farnesylation and phosphorylation. Increased phosphorylation of the lamins occurs before envelope disintegration and probably plays a role in regulating lamin associations. Nuclear Lamin B is fragmented as a consequence of apoptosis by an unidentified member of the ICE family.
