Laminin is a protein that is essential to the health of humans as well as a number of other animals, most notably of mammals. It is comprised of polypeptide chains and holds together the structure of bodies in the form of tissue development. Laminin is critical in both neurological health and muscle health. The lack of its presence or problems with its production can lead to various conditions and diseases.
Cells of Animal Tissue
Laminin is a protein found outside of the cells of animal tissue. This tissue provides support to the structure of the cell and form the substrate of the basement membrane, a sheet of cells and fibers. Laminin is distinct from collagen in that it features four arms, one long and three short. This means that laminin can bind with four different molecules. The short arms act as the binding material to make the sheets of tissue, while the long arm anchors the protein to individual organs.
Structure of Laminin
Three separate polypeptide chains make up the laminin protein. This gives laminin increased flexibility comparable to other proteins. Laminin belongs to the family of glycoproteins that contain a biomolecule in the form of a carbohydrate polymer. These polymers contain between three to ten simple sugars and coalesce into chains that attach to other polypeptide chains.
Causes of Muscular Dystrophy
Laminin is the most important element in the bodies of humans and other mammals in terms of holding together the structure of the body. If the protein is produced improperly, a number of side effects can occur. The most notable of these is muscular dystrophy, a condition in which the skeletal muscle tissue weakens over the course of time and can eventually lead the overall death of a number of tissues.
Different Types of Laminin
Laminin is a trimer, meaning it is formed by three large molecules that do not share electrons. In the case of this protein, it is considered a heterotrimer that is formed by three different molecules. These are assembled into three different chains are defined as “alpha,” “beta” and “gamma.” Five forms of the alpha chain exist, defined as LAMA. Four forms of the beta chain exist, defined as LAMB. Three forms of the gamma chain exist, defined as LAMC.
Additional Features of Laminin
Laminin is extremely essential to the development of the human neurological system. It acts as the major substrate that provides the necessary environment for nerve axons to grow both in the womb and after birth. This lays down a path for nerve impulses to be transmitted. It can also heavily influence the way those impulses respond. Certain materials such as netrin can repel the growth of the axons, while fibronectin attract the growth.
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