Lamins are nuclear membrane structural components that are important in maintaining normal cell functions such as cell cycle control, DNA replication and chromatin organization. Lamin A is specifically cleaved by caspase-6 and therefore serves as a marker for caspase-6 activation. During apoptosis the 70 kDa lamin A is cleaved to a large (40-45 kDa) and small (23 kDa) fragment. The cleavage of lamins results in nuclear disregulation and cell death.