LAMA2
LAMA2 (laminin subunit alpha 2, also known as LAMM) is an extracellular matrix protein and a component of the basement membrane. It encodes the laminin alpha 2 chain, which contributes to the attachment, migration and organisation of cells into tissues. Browse Assay Genie's current range of LAMA2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
Laminin is a major extracellular component of the basement membrane. Through binding to cells via a high-affinity receptor, it is thought to mediate the attachment, migration and organisation of cells into tissues during embryonic development, interacting with other extracellular matrix components. The LAMA2 protein is secreted and localises to the extracellular space, within the extracellular matrix and basement membrane.
Laminin is a heterotrimer built from alpha, beta and gamma subunits, which are linked to one another by disulfide bonds to form a cross-shaped molecule. The LAMA2 gene encodes the alpha 2 chain, which is one of the subunits of laminin 2 (merosin) and laminin 4 (s-merosin). Two transcript variants encoding different proteins have been described for this gene. The HGNC places it in the laminin subunits gene group, alongside other alpha chains such as LAMA1, LAMA3, LAMA4 and LAMA5. The mouse ortholog is Lama2.
The gene was previously named laminin, alpha 2, and carries the alias LAMM. Mutations in the LAMA2 gene have been identified as the cause of congenital merosin-deficient muscular dystrophy, which makes the laminin alpha 2 chain a point of interest for researchers studying basement membrane biology and muscle disease. Researchers working with LAMA2 may use an antibody, ELISA kit or recombinant protein to examine its expression and function.
LAMA2 is a component of the basement membrane, making it relevant to studies of extracellular matrix structure and organisation.
Mutations in LAMA2 cause congenital merosin-deficient muscular dystrophy, so the gene is central to studies of this disease.
Laminin is thought to mediate cell attachment, migration and organisation into tissues during embryonic development.
Laminin binds cells through a high-affinity receptor and interacts with other extracellular matrix components, supporting work on cell adhesion.
LAMA2 encodes the laminin alpha 2 chain, part of the basement membrane. Laminin is thought to mediate the attachment, migration and organisation of cells into tissues during embryonic development, by binding cells through a high-affinity receptor and interacting with other extracellular matrix components.
LAMA2 is also known as LAMM, and was previously named laminin, alpha 2. Its chain is a subunit of laminin 2 (merosin) and laminin 4 (s-merosin). Two transcript variants encoding different proteins have been reported for the gene.
Mutations in LAMA2 have been identified as the cause of congenital merosin-deficient muscular dystrophy. A mouse ortholog, Lama2, exists; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other laminin alpha subunits and basement membrane proteins with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P24043; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.