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Updated: Nov 9, 2025

Generating a Fractal Microstructure of Laminin-111 to Signal to Cells
Published on: September 28, 2020
Laminins in metabolic tissues
Anna Goddi1, Liesl Schroedl2, Eric M Brey3
1Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, The University of Chicago, 900 East 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Abstract:
Laminins are extracellular matrix proteins that reside in the basement membrane and provide structural support in addition to promoting cellular adhesion and migration. Through interactions with cell surface receptors, laminins stimulate intracellular signaling cascades which direct specific survival and differentiation outcomes. In metabolic tissues such as the pancreas, adipose, muscle, and liver, laminin isoforms are expressed in discrete temporal and spatial patterns suggesting that certain isoforms may support the development and function of particular metabolic cell types. This review focuses on the research to date detailing the expression of laminin isoforms, their potential function, as well as known pathways involved in laminin signaling in metabolic tissues. We will also discuss the current biomedical therapies involving laminins in these tissues in addition to prospective applications, with the goal being to encourage future investigation of laminins in the context of metabolic disease.
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