laminin subunit alpha 2

Normal function

The LAMA2 gene provides instructions for making a part (subunit) of certain members of a protein family called laminins. Laminin proteins are made of three different subunits called alpha, beta, and gamma. There are several forms of each subunit, and each form is produced from instructions carried by a different gene. The LAMA2 gene provides instructions for the alpha-2 subunit. This subunit, together with the beta-1 and gamma-1 subunits, forms the laminin 2 protein, also known as merosin or laminin-211. The alpha-2 subunit, along with the beta-2 and gamma-1 subunits, also forms another laminin called laminin 4, sometimes known as laminin-221.

Laminins are found in an intricate lattice of proteins and other molecules that forms in the spaces between cells (the extracellular matrix). There, the laminins help regulate cell growth, cell movement (motility), and the attachment of cells to one another (adhesion). They are also involved in the formation and organisation of basement membranes, which are thin, sheet-like structures within the extracellular matrix that separate and support cells in many tissues. Laminin 2 and laminin 4 play a particularly important role in the muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles). The laminins attach (bind) to other proteins in the extracellular matrix and in the membrane of muscle cells, which helps maintain the stability of muscle fibers.

Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome

• Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy

• LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy

• Cholangiocarcinoma

Other names

LAMA2_HUMAN

laminin M chain

laminin subunit alpha-2

laminin subunit alpha-2 isoform a precursor

laminin subunit alpha-2 isoform b precursor

laminin, alpha 2

laminin-12 subunit alpha

laminin-2 subunit alpha

laminin-4 subunit alpha

LAMM

merosin heavy chain