LAMA3

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the laminin family of secreted molecules. Laminins are heterotrimeric molecules that consist of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits that assemble through a coiled-coil domain. Laminins are essential for formation and function of the basement membrane and have additional functions in regulating cell migration and mechanical signal transduction. This gene encodes an alpha subunit and is responsive to several epithelial-mesenchymal regulators including keratinocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor. Mutations in this gene have been identified as the cause of Herlitz type junctional epidermolysis bullosa and laryngoonychocutaneous syndrome. Alternative splicing and alternative promoter usage result in multiple transcript variants. LAMA3 (Laminin Subunit Alpha 3) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with LAMA3 include Laryngoonychocutaneous Syndrome and Epidermolysis Bullosa, Junctional, Herlitz Type. Among its related pathways are ERK Signaling and Focal Adhesion. Gene Ontology (GO) annotations related to this gene include DNA binding transcription factor activity and obsolete signal transducer activity. An important paralog of this gene is LAMA5. Binding to cells via a high affinity receptor, laminin is thought to mediate the attachment, migration and organization of cells into tissues during embryonic development by interacting with other extracellular matrix components.