Laminins: Structure, Biological Activity &Role in Disease

Laminins are major proteins in the basal lamina (one of the layers of the basement membrane), a protein network foundation for most cells and organs. Laminins are an important and biologically active part of the basal lamina, influencing cell differentiation, migration, and adhesion, as well as phenotype and survival. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the structure, biological activity and role in disease of laminins. Topics include the key roles of laminins from embryos to adult skeletal muscle; Laminin-332 and integrins; anosmin-1 and galectin-1 as laminin interactors in nervous system development and pathology; loss of laminin alpha two; role of laminin in epithelial morphogenesis in the liver; laminins in uterine remodelling and embryo development during pregnancy; human gingival laminin-332 degradation by oral bacteria; and laminins as a modulator of the axonal response to guidance cues.