Proper organization of the cell nucleus is indispensable for the execution of fundamental cellular processes. Accordingly, maintenance of the nuclear architecture—a state known to be controlled by Lamin A, among other proteins associated with the nuclear envelope—is key to maintenance of nuclear functions. In this study, Lazar and colleagues identify the cancer testis antigen SPANX as a Lamin A-interacting protein with significant implications for maintaining nuclear structure. Ablation of SPANX resulted in significantly more aberrant nuclear structures observed, as well as concomitant reductions in cell viability and proliferation. Moreover, cells with disrupted nuclei exhibited increased secretion of Interleukin 1A, which was shown to cause growth arrest in a paracrine manner even in cells that retained SPANX/Lamin A expression and normal nuclear architecture. Together, the data implicate SPANX as a novel member of the protein complexes responsible for maintaining nuclear architecture and function, and therefore as a critical regulator of melanoma...

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