Laminin subunit alpha-2 (LAMA2)

Laminin subunit alpha-2 is a large glycoprotein encoded by the LAMA2 gene, and serves as the alpha-2 subunit of several laminin isoforms such as laminin-2 (merosin, laminin-211) and laminin-4 (laminin-221)[1][3][4][5][6]. Laminins are major structural proteins of the **basement membrane**—an extracellular matrix layer critical for cell adhesion, migration, and tissue integrity during development and in adult tissues[4][5]. Alpha-2-containing laminins are especially important for stability and function of **skeletal muscle fibers**, as they anchor muscle membrane proteins (notably alpha-dystroglycan and integrin alpha-7/beta-1) to the extracellular matrix[2][6]. Mutations in LAMA2 lead to **congenital muscular dystrophy** type MDC1A, characterized by severe muscle weakness, impaired motor development, and variable involvement of peripheral nerve[1][3][4][6]. Laminin-α2 is found predominantly in skeletal muscle, peripheral nerve Schwann cells, and brain microvascular astrocytes and pericytes[6]. Laminin subunit alpha-2 fulfills structural roles and also participates in signaling via integrin and dystroglycan pathways, influencing cell migration and differentiation in development[5][6]. There are currently no known approved drugs directly targeting LAMA2; therapeutic research is focused on gene therapy and protein-repair approaches for muscular dystrophy[6]. Deficiency of LAMA2 can be assessed clinically as a biomarker in muscle biopsies, helping distinguish MDC1A from other muscular dystrophies[1][6]. Restoring or replacing LAMA2 function poses safety challenges due to immunogenicity, complex receptor/ECM interactions, and delivery to target tissues[6].

Other names

Laminin M chainLaminin-12 subunit alphaLaminin-2 subunit alphaLaminin-4 subunit alphaMerosin heavy chainMerosinMDC1ACongenital muscular dystrophy proteinLaminin alpha 2Laminin-211 subunit alphaLaminin-221 subunit alpha