Laminin subunit alpha-3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMA3 gene. [5] [6]
Laminins are basement membrane components thought to mediate the attachment, migration and organization of cells into tissues during embryonic development by interacting with other extracellular matrix components. The protein encoded by this gene is the alpha-3 chain of laminin 5, which is a complex glycoprotein composed of three subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma). Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified.
Laminin 5 is thought to be involved in cell adhesion, signal transduction and differentiation of keratinocytes. [6]
Mutations in this gene have been identified as the cause of Herlitz type junctional epidermolysis bullosa. [6]
It may be associated with Laryngoonychocutaneous syndrome. [7]
Hemidesmosomes are very small stud-like structures found in keratinocytes of the epidermis of skin that attach to the extracellular matrix. They are similar in form to desmosomes when visualized by electron microscopy, however, desmosomes attach to adjacent cells. Hemidesmosomes are also comparable to focal adhesions, as they both attach cells to the extracellular matrix. Instead of desmogleins and desmocollins in the extracellular space, hemidesmosomes utilize integrins. Hemidesmosomes are found in epithelial cells connecting the basal epithelial cells to the lamina lucida, which is part of the basal lamina. Hemidesmosomes are also involved in signaling pathways, such as keratinocyte migration or carcinoma cell intrusion.
Laminins are a family of glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix of all animals. They are major constituents of the basement membrane, namely the basal lamina. Laminins are vital to biological activity, influencing cell differentiation, migration, and adhesion.
Integrin alpha-3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGA3 gene. ITGA3 is an integrin alpha subunit. Together with beta-1 subunit, it makes up half of the α3β1 integrin duplex that plays a role in neural migration and corticogenesis, acted upon by such factors as netrin-1 and reelin.
Collagen XVII, previously called BP180, is a transmembrane protein which plays a critical role in maintaining the linkage between the intracellular and the extracellular structural elements involved in epidermal adhesion, identified by Diaz and colleagues in 1990.
Collagen alpha-1(VII) chain is a protein that in humans is encoded by the COL7A1 gene. It is composed of a triple helical, collagenous domain flanked by two non-collagenous domains, and functions as an anchoring fibril between the dermal-epidermal junction in the basement membrane. Mutations in COL7A1 cause all types of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, and the exact mutations vary based on the specific type or subtype. It has been shown that interactions between the NC-1 domain of collagen VII and several other proteins, including laminin-5 and collagen IV, contribute greatly to the overall stability of the basement membrane.
Integrin, beta 4 (ITGB4) also known as CD104, is a human gene.
Laminin subunit alpha-5 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMA5 gene.
Laminin subunit gamma-2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMC2 gene.
Laminin subunit beta-3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMB3 gene.
Laminin subunit alpha-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMA1 gene.
Laminin subunit beta-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMB1 gene.
Collagen alpha-6(IV) chain is a protein that in humans is encoded by the COL4A6 gene.
Alpha-7 integrin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGA7 gene. Alpha-7 integrin is critical for modulating cell-matrix interactions. Alpha-7 integrin is highly expressed in cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle and smooth muscle cells, and localizes to Z-disc and costamere structures. Mutations in ITGA7 have been associated with congenital myopathies and noncompaction cardiomyopathy, and altered expression levels of alpha-7 integrin have been identified in various forms of muscular dystrophy.
Laminin subunit alpha-4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMA4 gene.
Fibulin-2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FBLN2 gene.
Laminin subunit beta-2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMB2 gene.
Basal cell adhesion molecule, also known as Lutheran antigen, is a plasma membrane glycoprotein that in humans is encoded by the BCAM gene. BCAM has also recently been designated CD239.
Integrin alpha-9 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGA9 gene. Cytogenetic location: 3p22.2
Laminin subunit gamma-3 also known as LAMC3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMC3 gene.
Junctional epidermolysis bullosa is a skin condition characterized by blister formation within the lamina lucida of the basement membrane zone.