We consider the features of the nuclear lamina and NPC comparing humans, yeasts and trypanosomes. We discuss how those nuclear elements are structured in trypanosomes and how they differ from, or are conserved with other eukaryotic lineages. We also discuss the functional and evolutionary aspects of those fundamental elements of nuclear structure.

One of the remarkable features of eukaryotes is the nucleus, delimited by the nuclear envelope, a complex structure and home to the nuclear lamina and nuclear pore complex (NPC). For decades these structures were believed to be mainly architectural elements and, in the case of the NPC, simply facilitating nucleocytoplasmic trafficking. More recently the critical roles of the lamina, NPC and other nuclear envelope constituents in genome organisation, maintaining chromosomal domains and regulating gene expression have been recognised. Importantly, mutations in genes encoding lamina and NPC components lead to pathogenesis in humans, while in pathogenic protozoa disrupt the progression of normal development and expression of pathogenesis-related genes. Here we review features of the lamina and NPC across eukaryotes and discuss how these elements are structured in trypanosomes, protozoa of high medical and veterinary importance, highlighting lineage-specific and conserved aspects of nuclear organisation.