Lamin A is a major component of the nuclear lamina that is expressed in various types of differentiated cells. We have analysed previously the putative promoter sequences of the gene and shown that the rat lamin A proximal promoter contains two essential motifs, a GC box that can bind to Sp1 and Sp3, and an AP‐1 motif that can bind to c‐Jun and c‐Fos. In this study we have investigated the role of Sp1 and Sp3 in transactivation of the promoter. Functional analysis of the promoter in Drosophila SL2 cells has demonstrated that it is inactive in the absence of Sp proteins. Activation by expression of Sp3 is more pronounced than that by Sp1 although both proteins can bind to the GC box in vitro; activation clearly depends on an intact GC box as deduced from mutant analysis. Promoter activity in SL2 cells also requires an intact AP‐1 motif, which can bind to endogenous Drosophila Jun and Fos proteins. Furthermore, overexpression of c‐Jun and c‐Fos results in fourfold activation of the promoter in PCC‐4 embryonal carcinoma cells. Our demonstration that activation of the lamin A proximal promoter is mediated by Sp3 and AP‐1 transcription factors affords a basis for further studies on the regulation of this important gene during development and disease.