Laminopathies are disorders involving what?

• A. Alterations in the structure of the nuclear lamina
• B. Defects in mitochondrial function
• C. Abnormalities in lysosomal storage
• D. Defects in ribosomal RNA synthesis

Answer: (A)

Laminopathies arise from problems with the nuclear lamina—the network of lamins that lines the inner nuclear membrane and gives the nucleus its shape, helps organize chromatin, and influences gene expression. When LMNA or related lamin genes mutate, the nuclear envelope becomes structurally and functionally abnormal, which disrupts how DNA is packaged and read in the cell. This leads to tissue-specific diseases like muscular dystrophy and lipodystrophy, where cells rely heavily on proper nuclear mechanics and gene regulation. The other options point to different cellular systems—mitochondria for energy production, lysosomes for degradation/ storage disorders, and the nucleolus for ribosomal RNA synthesis. These are not the core features of laminopathies, so alterations in the nuclear lamina are the defining focus.