Nidogens, formerly known as entactins, are a family of sulfated monomeric glycoproteins located in the basal lamina [1] of parahoxozoans. [2] Two nidogens have been identified in humans: nidogen-1 (NID1) and nidogen-2 (NID2). [3] Remarkably, vertebrates are still capable of stabilizing basement membrane in the absence of either identified nidogen. [4] In contrast, those lacking both nidogen-1 and nidogen-2 typically die prematurely during embryonic development as a result of defects existing in the heart and lungs. [5] Nidogen have been shown to play a crucial role during organogenesis in late embryonic development, particularly in cardiac and lung development. [6] From an evolutionary perspective, nidogens are highly conserved across vertebrates and invertebrates, retaining their ability to bind laminin. [7]
In nematodes, nidogen-1 is necessary for axon guidance, but not for basement membrane assembly. [8]
A mammary gland is an exocrine gland in humans and other mammals that produces milk to feed young offspring. Mammals get their name from the Latin word mamma, "breast". The mammary glands are arranged in organs such as the breasts in primates, the udder in ruminants, and the dugs of other animals. Lactorrhea, the occasional production of milk by the glands, can occur in any mammal, but in most mammals, lactation, the production of enough milk for nursing, occurs only in phenotypic females who have gestated in recent months or years. It is directed by hormonal guidance from sex steroids. In a few mammalian species, male lactation can occur. With humans, male lactation can occur only under specific circumstances.
Gap junctions are specialized intercellular connections between a multitude of animal cell-types. They directly connect the cytoplasm of two cells, which allows various molecules, ions and electrical impulses to directly pass through a regulated gate between cells.
Embryoid bodies (EBs) are three-dimensional aggregates of pluripotent stem cells.
The basement membrane is a thin, pliable sheet-like type of extracellular matrix that provides cell and tissue support and acts as a platform for complex signalling. The basement membrane sits between epithelial tissues including mesothelium and endothelium, and the underlying connective tissue.
Nidogen-1 (NID-1), formerly known as entactin, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NID1 gene. Both nidogen-1 and nidogen-2 are essential components of the basement membrane alongside other components such as type IV collagen, proteoglycans, laminin and fibronectin.
Netrins are a class of proteins involved in axon guidance. They are named after the Sanskrit word "netr", which means "one who guides". Netrins are genetically conserved across nematode worms, fruit flies, frogs, mice, and humans. Structurally, netrin resembles the extracellular matrix protein laminin.
Laminins are a family of glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix of all animals. They are major components of the basal lamina, the 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, and adhesion.
Matrigel is the trade name for the solubilized basement membrane matrix secreted by Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) mouse sarcoma cells produced by Corning Life Sciences. Matrigel resembles the laminin/collagen IV-rich basement membrane extracellular environment found in many tissues and is used by cell biologists as a substrate for culturing cells.
Agrin is a large proteoglycan whose best-characterised role is in the development of the neuromuscular junction during embryogenesis. Agrin is named based on its involvement in the aggregation of acetylcholine receptors during synaptogenesis. In humans, this protein is encoded by the AGRN gene.
Laminin subunit alpha-5 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMA5 gene.
40S ribosomal protein SA is a ribosomal protein that in humans is encoded by the RPSA gene. It also acts as a cell surface receptor, in particular for laminin, and is involved in several pathogenic processes.
Laminin subunit alpha-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMA1 gene.
Laminin subunit gamma-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMC1 gene.
Laminin subunit beta-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMB1 gene.
Laminin subunit alpha-2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMA2 gene.
Fibulin-2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FBLN2 gene.
Nidogen-2, also known as osteonidogen, is a basal lamina protein of the nidogen family. It was the second nidogen to be described after nidogen-1 (entactin). Both play key roles during late embryonic development. In humans it is encoded by the NID2 gene.
Laminin subunit gamma-3 also known as LAMC3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LAMC3 gene.
UNC is a set of proteins first identified through a set of screening tests in Caenorhabditis elegans, looking for roundworms with movement problems. Worms with which were un-coordinated were analysed in order to identify the genetic defect. Such proteins include UNC-5, a receptor for UNC-6 which is one of the netrins. Netrins are a class of proteins involved in axon guidance. UNC-5 uses repulsion (genetics) to direct axons while the other netrin receptor UNC-40 attracts axons to the source of netrin production.
UNC-5 is a receptor for netrins including UNC-6. Netrins are a class of proteins involved in axon guidance. UNC-5 uses repulsion to direct axons while the other netrin receptor UNC-40 attracts axons to the source of netrin production.