The laminin family

Cell Adh Migr. 2013 Jan-Feb;7(1):48-55. doi: 10.4161/cam.22826. Epub 2012 Dec 21.

Abstract

Laminins are large molecular weight glycoproteins constituted by the assembly of three disulfide-linked polypeptides, the α, β and γ chains. The human genome encodes 11 genetically distinct laminin chains. Structurally, laminin chains differ by the number, size and organization of a few constitutive domains, endowing the various members of the laminin family with common and unique important functions. In particular, laminins are indispensable building blocks for cellular networks physically bridging the intracellular and extracellular compartments and relaying signals critical for cellular behavior, and for extracellular polymers determining the architecture and the physiology of basement membranes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basement Membrane / cytology
  • Basement Membrane / metabolism*
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Laminin / genetics
  • Laminin / metabolism*
  • Molecular Weight
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Folding
  • Protein Interaction Mapping
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, Laminin / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • LAMB1 protein, human
  • Laminin
  • Receptors, Laminin
  • laminin gamma 1
  • laminin A