laminin521

Laminin-521 is a laminin family basement membrane glycoprotein and one of the heterotrimeric laminin isoforms. It consists of the alpha5, beta2, and gamma1 chains, encoded by the LAMA5, LAMB2, and LAMC1 genes. As part of the extracellular matrix, Laminin-521 contributes to the structural network of basement membranes and mediates cell–matrix interactions that influence tissue organization.

In tissues, Laminin-521 participates in cell adhesion, differentiation, and migration, supporting basement membrane integrity during development and homeostasis. It interacts with cell-surface receptors such as integrins (including α3β1, α6β1, and α6β4) and dystroglycan, and forms networks with other basement membrane components like nidogens and collagen IV. These interactions help anchor cells to the matrix and transduce signals that regulate cell behavior.

In biotechnology and regenerative medicine, Laminin-521 is widely used as a defined substrate for human pluripotent stem cell culture. Recombinant Laminin-521 on defined matrices supports attachment and long-term maintenance of human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells in defined media, offering an alternative to animal-derived substrates and aligning with clinical translation goals.

Production and clinical relevance: Recombinant Laminin-521 is produced in mammalian expression systems to ensure proper folding and post-translational modifications. Clinically, mutations in LAMB2, a component of Laminin-521, can cause Pierson syndrome, reflecting the importance of the beta-2 chain in kidney glomerular basement membrane function, although disease manifestations vary with genetic and developmental context.

See also: Laminin family, Laminin-511, basement membrane, integrins.