laminin2

Laminin-2 is a member of the laminin family of extracellular matrix proteins. In humans, laminin-2 refers to the heterotrimer consisting of the alpha-2, beta-1, and gamma-1 chains, commonly called laminin-211. It is a major component of basement membranes in skeletal muscle and peripheral nerves and contributes to tissue architecture, cell adhesion, and signaling.

Laminin-2 interacts with cell surface receptors such as dystroglycan and integrins, and with other basement membrane components including nidogens and collagen IV. Through these interactions, it helps stabilize the sarcolemma, supports myelin sheath formation, and influences cell differentiation and migration during development and repair.

In humans, mutations in LAMA2 cause merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (MDC1A) and related LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy. The disorder is typically autosomal recessive and presents with hypotonia and muscle weakness in infancy; central nervous system involvement with white matter abnormalities on neuroimaging may occur in some cases. Diagnosis is by genetic testing and assessment of merosin expression in muscle tissue. Management is supportive, including physical therapy, respiratory care, and orthopedic management; no disease-modifying therapy is widely available, though research is ongoing.

Laminin-2 is also studied in animal models to understand muscle and nerve development, and its expression is used as a marker of basement membrane integrity in various tissues.