Laminin (LN)

Laminin, a protein network foundation for most cells and organs. The laminins are an important and biologically active part of the basal lamina, influencing cell differentiation, migration, adhesion as well as phenotype and survival.

Laminins are large trimeric proteins that contain an α-chain, a β-chain and a γ-chain, found in five, three and three genetic variants, respectively. The laminin molecules are named according to their chain composition. Thus, laminin-511 contains α5, β1 and γ1 chains. Fourteen other chain combinations have been identified in vivo. The trimeric proteins form a cross, giving a structure that can bind to other cell membrane and extracellular matrix molecules. The three shorter arms are particularly good at binding to other laminin molecules, which allows them to form sheets. The long arm is capable of binding to cells, which helps anchor organized tissue cells to the membrane.