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Related Concept Videos

Laminins are the Adhesive Proteins of Basal Lamina00:55

Laminins are the Adhesive Proteins of Basal Lamina

Laminins are heterotrimeric proteins with high molecular mass found in the extracellular matrix. Each laminin molecule is composed of three chains, viz. alpha, beta, and gamma, coded by five, four, and three paralogous genes, respectively. Laminins are categories based on the compositions of the three chains.
In humans, the five forms of alpha chains are LAMA 1, LAMA 2, LAMA 3, LAMA 4, and LAMA 5. The four forms of beta chains are LAMB 1, LAMB 2, LAMB 3, and LAMB 4. The three forms of gamma...
Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...
Integrins01:10

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Plakins are large proteins with binding domains for microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and membrane-associated protein complexes at cell junctions. Plakin functions are evolutionarily conserved and are primarily involved in organizing the different components of the cytoskeleton by crosslinking them to each other and connecting them to the cell-matrix and cell adhesion complexes. They are also known to interact with signal transducers, serve as scaffolds for signaling...
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Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
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Generating a Fractal Microstructure of Laminin-111 to Signal to Cells
06:56

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Published on: September 28, 2020

Laminins.

Madeleine Durbeej1

  • 1Department of Experimental Medical Science, University of Lund, Sweden. madeleine.durbeej-hjalt@med.lu.se

Cell and Tissue Research
|August 21, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Laminins are proteins found in basement membranes that help tissues develop and function. They interact with cells through receptors and form networks in the extracellular matrix. Laminins are essential for early development and organ formation. They play important roles in muscle, nerve, skin, kidney, lung, and blood vessels. Mutations in laminins are linked to tissue dysfunction in mice and humans. This review provides a snapshot of laminin structure, tissue distribution, and interactions. It also highlights mutations and directs readers to more detailed resources.

Keywords:
Laminin biologyBasement membrane proteinsCell adhesion moleculesExtracellular matrix function

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Area of Science:

  • Cell and developmental biology
  • Extracellular matrix research
  • Molecular genetics in tissue biology

Background:

Prior research has shown that laminins are glycoproteins found in basement membranes. These proteins are known to interact with cell surface receptors and contribute to tissue structure. However, a comprehensive synthesis of laminin function remains limited. This gap motivated an effort to summarize current understanding of laminin structure and roles. No prior work had resolved the full scope of laminin interactions with other matrix components. The role of laminins in embryonic development is well established, but their interactions in adult tissues remain less clear. This uncertainty drove the need for a focused review of laminin biology. The goal was to clarify laminin roles without overreaching beyond available evidence.

Purpose Of The Study:

This paper aims to provide a concise overview of laminin biology. The specific problem is the lack of a unified summary of laminin structure and function. The motivation is to guide further research by highlighting key areas of laminin research. The authors focus on laminin structure and tissue distribution. They also examine interactions with other matrix molecules and receptors. The study briefly addresses laminin mutations in mice and humans. This approach allows for a snapshot of laminin biology without delving into excessive detail. The purpose is to direct readers to more detailed resources for further exploration.

Main Methods:

The authors conducted a review of existing literature on laminins. They selected studies focusing on laminin structure, tissue distribution, and receptor interactions. They also included data on laminin mutations in model organisms and humans. The review approach involved synthesizing findings from multiple sources. No new experiments were performed; instead, the authors compiled and summarized published work. They emphasized structural and functional aspects of laminins. The authors avoided in-depth descriptions of individual laminin isoforms. The goal was to present a broad overview without overwhelming the reader.

Main Results:

Laminins are glycoproteins found in basement membranes. They self-assemble into networks that interact with cell surface receptors. Laminins are essential for embryonic development and organogenesis. They play key roles in muscle, nerve, skin, kidney, lung, and vasculature. Laminin mutations in mice and humans have been linked to tissue dysfunction. The review highlights laminin interactions with other matrix molecules. These interactions are crucial for maintaining tissue integrity. The paper directs readers to detailed reviews for further information.

Conclusions:

The authors synthesize current knowledge of laminin structure and function. They emphasize the importance of laminins in tissue development and maintenance. Laminin interactions with receptors and matrix molecules are highlighted. The review suggests that laminins are vital for multiple physiological processes. The authors note that mutations in laminins are associated with tissue abnormalities. They propose that further research is needed to clarify laminin roles in specific tissues. The conclusions reflect the authors' view that laminins are essential for tissue function. The paper serves as a guide to more detailed resources on laminin biology.

Laminins are essential for tissue development and function. They interact with cell surface receptors and contribute to basement membrane structure.

Laminins self-assemble into networks and interact with other extracellular matrix components. These interactions are crucial for tissue integrity.

Laminin mutations in mice and humans are linked to tissue dysfunction. These mutations help clarify laminin roles in development and disease.

Laminins are vital in muscle, nerve, skin, kidney, lung, and vasculature. These tissues rely on laminins for structural and functional support.

Laminin structure allows them to self-assemble into networks. This structure is necessary for interactions with cell surface receptors and matrix molecules.

The authors suggest that further research is needed to clarify laminin roles in specific tissues. They propose that mutations can guide future studies.