Laminin subunit alpha-4 mRNA (LAMA4 mRNA)

Laminin subunit alpha-4 (LAMA4) mRNA is the transcript encoding the alpha-4 chain of laminin-411, a heterotrimeric protein (composed of alpha-4, beta-1, and gamma-1 chains) that serves as a primary component of the vascular basement membrane (NCBI Gene ID: 3910). This mRNA is essential for the production of laminin-411, which plays a pivotal role in regulating the extravasation of leukocytes, particularly T-cells, across the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system (PubMed: 16847319). In pathological states such as multiple sclerosis, LAMA4 mRNA expression is upregulated at sites of inflammation, facilitating the infiltration of immune cells that contribute to tissue damage (PubMed: 21900438). Therapeutic strategies targeting this mRNA, such as antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA, are being explored to selectively reduce laminin-411 levels and limit pathological cell migration without broadly suppressing the immune system. Beyond its role in the immune response, LAMA4 is involved in angiogenesis and the maintenance of cardiac and skeletal muscle integrity, meaning that therapeutic modulation must account for potential impacts on vascular stability and muscle function (UniProt: P55263).

Other names

LAMA4 transcriptLaminin alpha-4 mRNALaminin-8 alpha chain mRNALaminin-411 alpha-4 subunit mRNA

Antisense inhibition or RNA interference to prevent translation of the alpha-4 laminin chain