Lamins are involved in many nuclear functions They are also involved in most nuclear activities, including chromatin organization, DNA replication, transcription regulation, RNA processing, linking the nucleus to all major cytoskeleton networks, apoptosis, meiosis and mitosis.

Function. Laminins form independent networks and are associated with type IV collagen networks via entactin, fibronectin, and perlecan. They also bind to cell membranes through integrin receptors and other plasma membrane molecules, such as the dystroglycan glycoprotein complex and Lutheran blood group glycoprotein.

Laminin is a large (900 kDa) mosaic protein composed of many distinct domains with different structures and functions. Globular and rodlike domains are arranged in an extended four-armed, cruciform shape that is well suited for mediating between distant sites on cells and other components of the extracellular matrix.

The human genome encodes 11 genetically distinct laminin chains. Structurally, laminin chains differ by the number, size and organization of a few constitutive domains, endowing the various members of the laminin family with common and unique important functions.

Laminin is a complex adhesion protein found in the ECM, especially within the basement membrane (Schwarzbauer, 1999). This protein appears to be among the first and most critical ECM factors in the process of cell and tissue differentiation.

Summary: DNA naturally folds itself into cross-shaped structures called cruciforms that jut out along the sprawling length of its double helix. DNA cruciforms are abundant; scientists estimate as many as 500,000 cruciform-forming sequences may exist on average in a normal human genome.

In the extracellular matrix, laminin can bind other laminin molecules as well as other proteins like collagen, which helps to reinforce the extracellular matrix structure. Cells can also bind to laminin through the integrin receptors they express on in their cell membranes [15].

Laminin is a very complex adhesion protein that is generally present in the basement membrane, the proteins immediately beneath the epithelia and endothelia, as well as in many other tissues, as reviewed in detail elsewhere [33–35]. D.G.K. Rasmussen, M.A. Karsdal, in Biochemistry of Collagens, Laminins and Elastin (Second Edition), 2019

Laminins are multidomain proteins, and consist of a combination of three laminin subchains, namely one α, one β, and one γ chain. Laminins are essential for the correct organization of basement membranes throughout the body.

Laminins are a major constituent of the basement membrane which is an intricate meshwork of proteins separating the epithelium, mesothelium, and endothelium from connective tissue. There are 15 different laminins, each consisting of a unique combination of three subchains. The combination of chains confers some tissue specificity.