The LAMA3 antibody targets the alpha-3 subunit of laminin-332 (formerly laminin-5), a heterotrimeric glycoprotein critical for basement membrane integrity and cell-matrix adhesion. Laminin-332. composed of α3. β3. and γ2 chains (encoded by LAMA3. LAMB3. and LAMC2 genes, respectively), plays essential roles in epithelial tissue organization, wound healing, and cell signaling. The LAMA3 subunit is particularly vital for anchoring epithelial cells to the underlying stroma, influencing cell migration, differentiation, and tissue regeneration.
Mutations in LAMA3 are linked to junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), a severe genetic disorder characterized by skin fragility and blistering. In cancer, dysregulated LAMA3 expression is associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis, as laminin-332 facilitates cancer cell migration and resistance to apoptosis.
LAMA3 antibodies are widely used in research to study basement membrane dynamics, epithelial biology, and disease mechanisms. They enable detection of LAMA3 in tissues (via immunohistochemistry) or protein extracts (via Western blot), aiding in diagnosing JEB subtypes and investigating cancer progression. Therapeutic applications are emerging, with antibodies explored for targeting laminin-332 in metastatic cancers or modulating its function in regenerative medicine. However, challenges remain in specificity and off-target effects, necessitating further validation for clinical translation.