Laminin, A Glycoprotein from Basement Membranes

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Abstract
This chapter describes the methods used in isolating laminin from tissues and cells in culture. Laminin is a large protein concentrated in basement membranes. It mediates the attachment of epithelial and endothelial cells. Basement membranes are extracellular matrices that separate epithelial, endothelial, and muscle cells from underlying connective tissues. A transplantable mouse tumor, the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) sarcoma produces an extracellular matrix of basement membranes. Laminin accounts for approximately half of the total protein in the matrix of the EHS sarcoma. Laminin appears in embryonic development around the morula stage before the appearance of a recognizable basement membrane. Similarly, laminin appears in embryonic kidney prior to tubule formations. The accumulation of laminin in these sites suggests almost a prematrix template function. Laminin is found mainly in association with basement membrane and has been found by immunohistology in all basement membranes examined. Basement membranes are composed both of collagenous and noncollagenous glycoproteins and proteoglycans.

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