Primary Antibodies

eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 delta(EEF1D) Homo sapiens This gene encodes a subunit of the elongation factor-1 complex, which is responsible for the enzymatic delivery of aminoacyl tRNAs to the ribosome. This subunit, delta, functions as guanine nucleotide exchange factor. It is reported that following HIV-1 infection, this subunit interacts with HIV-1 Tat. This interaction results in repression of translation of host cell proteins and enhanced translation of viral proteins. Several alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been found for this gene. Related pseudogenes have been defined on chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 17, 19.[provided by RefSeq, Aug 2010],

CENPP is a subunit of a CENPH (MIM 605607)-CENPI (MIM 300065)-associated centromeric complex that targets CENPA (MIM 117139) to centromeres and is required for proper kinetochore function and mitotic progression (Okada et al., 2006 [PubMed 16622420]).[supplied by OMIM, Mar 2008],

thioredoxin reductase 1(TXNRD1) Homo sapiens This gene encodes a member of the family of pyridine nucleotide oxidoreductases. This protein reduces thioredoxins as well as other substrates, and plays a role in selenium metabolism and protection against oxidative stress. The functional enzyme is thought to be a homodimer which uses FAD as a cofactor. Each subunit contains a selenocysteine (Sec) residue which is required for catalytic activity. The selenocysteine is encoded by the UGA codon that normally signals translation termination. The 3' UTR of selenocysteine-containing genes have a common stem-loop structure, the sec insertion sequence (SECIS), that is necessary for the recognition of UGA as a Sec codon rather than as a stop signal. Alternative splicing results in several transcript variants encoding the same or different isoforms. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 2(HSD11B2) Homo sapiens There are at least two isozymes of the corticosteroid 11-beta-dehydrogenase, a microsomal enzyme complex responsible for the interconversion of cortisol and cortisone. The type I isozyme has both 11-beta-dehydrogenase (cortisol to cortisone) and 11-oxoreductase (cortisone to cortisol) activities. The type II isozyme, encoded by this gene, has only 11-beta-dehydrogenase activity. In aldosterone-selective epithelial tissues such as the kidney, the type II isozyme catalyzes the glucocorticoid cortisol to the inactive metabolite cortisone, thus preventing illicit activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor. In tissues that do not express the mineralocorticoid receptor, such as the placenta and testis, it protects cells from the growth-inhibiting and/or pro-apoptotic effects of cortisol, particularly during embryonic development. Mutations in this gene cause the syndrome of apparent mine

developmental stage:Expressed during bone development.,function:Orphan receptor. Could be a chemotactic peptide receptor. May have a function in bone metabolism. Acts as a coreceptor for several SIV strains (SIVMAC316, SIVMAC239, SIVMACL7E-FR and SIVSM62A), as well as a primary HIV-1 strain (92UG024-2).,similarity:Belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family.,tissue specificity:Prominently expressed in developing osseous and cartilaginous tissue. Also found in adult parathyroid glands.,

Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) family proteins exist as several disulphide-bonded, dimeric isoforms (PDGF AA, PDGF AB, PDGF BB, PDGF CC, and PDGF DD) that bind in a specific pattern to two closely related receptor tyrosine kinases, PDGF receptor α (PDGFRα) and PDGF receptor β (PDGFRβ). PDGFRα and PDGFRβ can each form heterodimers with EGFR, which is also activated by PDGF. Various cells differ in the total number of receptors present and in the receptor subunit composition, which may account for responsive differences among cell types to PDGF binding. Ligand binding induces receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation, followed by binding and activation of cytoplasmic SH2 domain-containing signal transduction molecules, such as GRB2, Src, GAP, PI3 kinase, PLCγ, and NCK. A number of different signaling pathways are initiated by activated PDGF receptors and lead to control of cell growth, actin reorganization, migration, and differentiation.

This gene is the central gene in a cluster of three vanin genes on chromosome 6q23-q24. Extensive alternative splicing has been described; the two most common variants are represented as RefSeqs. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2014],

Olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose, to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell. The olfactory receptor proteins are members of a large family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) arising from single coding-exon genes. Olfactory receptors share a 7-transmembrane domain structure with many neurotransmitter and hormone receptors and are responsible for the recognition and G protein-mediated transduction of odorant signals. The olfactory receptor gene family is the largest in the genome. The nomenclature assigned to the olfactory receptor genes and proteins for this organism is independent of other organisms. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

Cytoplasmic ribosomes, organelles that catalyze protein synthesis, consist of a small 40S subunit and a large 60S subunit. Together these subunits are composed of 4 RNA species and approximately 80 structurally distinct proteins. This gene encodes a ribosomal protein that is a component of the 60S subunit. The protein belongs to the L7AE family of ribosomal proteins. It can interact with a subclass of nuclear hormone receptors, including thyroid hormone receptor, and inhibit their ability to transactivate by preventing their binding to their DNA response elements. This gene is included in the surfeit gene cluster, a group of very tightly linked genes that do not share sequence similarity. It is co-transcribed with the U24, U36a, U36b, and U36c small nucleolar RNA genes, which are located in its second, fifth, fourth, and sixth introns, respectively. This gene rearranges with the trk proto-oncogene t

potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily M alpha 1(KCNMA1) Homo sapiens MaxiK channels are large conductance, voltage and calcium-sensitive potassium channels which are fundamental to the control of smooth muscle tone and neuronal excitability. MaxiK channels can be formed by 2 subunits: the pore-forming alpha subunit, which is the product of this gene, and the modulatory beta subunit. Intracellular calcium regulates the physical association between the alpha and beta subunits. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

Ribosomes, the organelles that catalyze protein synthesis, consist of a small 40S subunit and a large 60S subunit. Together these subunits are composed of 4 RNA species and approximately 80 structurally distinct proteins. This gene encodes a ribosomal protein that is a component of the 60S subunit. The protein belongs to the L4E family of ribosomal proteins. It is located in the cytoplasm. As is typical for genes encoding ribosomal proteins, there are multiple processed pseudogenes of this gene dispersed through the genome. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

This gene belongs to the ephrin receptor subfamily of the protein-tyrosine kinase family. EPH and EPH-related receptors have been implicated in mediating developmental events, particularly in the nervous system. Receptors in the EPH subfamily typically have a single kinase domain and an extracellular region containing a Cys-rich domain and 2 fibronectin type III repeats. The ephrin receptors are divided into 2 groups based on the similarity of their extracellular domain sequences and their affinities for binding ephrin-A and ephrin-B ligands. This gene is expressed in some human cancer cell lines and has been implicated in carcinogenesis. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

SLP-76 was originally identified as a substrate of the ZAP-70 protein tyrosine kinase following T cell receptor (TCR) ligation in the leukemic T cell line Jurkat. The SLP-76 locus has been localized to human chromosome 5q33 and the gene structure has been partially characterized in mice. The human and murine cDNAs both encode 533 amino acid proteins that are 72% identical and comprised of three modular domains. The NH2-terminus contains an acidic region that includes a PEST domain and several tyrosine residues which are phosphorylated following TCR ligation. SLP-76 also contains a central proline-rich domain and a COOH-terminal SH2 domain. A number of additional proteins have been identified that associate with SLP-76 both constitutively and inducibly following receptor ligation, supporting the notion that SLP-76 functions as an adaptor or scaffold protein. Studies using SLP-76 deficient T c

domain:In contrast to other members of the Ras family, the members of the KappaB-Ras subfamily do not contain the conserved Gly and Gln residues in positions 13 and 65, which are replaced by Ala and Leu residues, respectively, and are therefore similar to the constitutively active forms of oncogenic forms of Ras. This suggests that members of this family are clearly different from other small GTPases proteins.,function:Atypical Ras-like protein that acts as a potent regulator of NF-kappa-B activity by preventing the degradation of NF-kappa-B inhibitor beta (NFKBIB) by most signals, explaining why NFKBIB is more resistant to degradation. May act by blocking phosphorylation of NFKBIB and nuclear localization of p65/RELA NF-kappa-B subunit. It is unclear whether it acts as a GTPase. Both GTP- and GDP-bound forms block phosphorylation of NFKBIB.,sequence caution:Absence of residues from position 133 within an exon that change the frame which is not the result of an alternative splicing.,similarity:Belongs to the small GTPase superfamily. Ras family. KappaB-Ras subfamily.,subunit:Interacts with both NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA) and beta (NFKBIB) in vitro. However, it probably only interacts with NFKBIB in vivo.,tissue specificity:Widely expressed.,

disease:Defects in OSMR are the cause of amyloidosis type 9 (AMYL9) [MIM:105250]; also known as primary cutaneous amyloidosis (PCA), primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA), familial lichen amyloidosis or familial cutaneous lichen amyloidosis. AMYL9 is a hereditary primary amyloidosis characterized by localized cutaneous amyloid deposition. This condition usually presents with itching (especially on the lower legs) and visible changes of skin hyperpigmentation and thickening (lichenification) that may be exacerbated by chronic scratching and rubbing. The amyloid deposits probably reflect a combination of degenerate keratin filaments, serum amyloid P component, and deposition of immunoglobulins.,domain:The box 1 motif is required for JAK interaction and/or activation.,domain:The WSXWS motif appears to be necessary for proper protein folding and thereby efficient intracellular transport and cell-surface receptor binding.,function:Associates with IL31RA to form the IL31 receptor. Binds IL31 to activate STAT3 and possibly STAT1 and STAT5. Capable of transducing OSM-specific signaling events.,induction:Activated by oncostatin-M. Up-regulated by IFNG and lipopolysaccharide.,similarity:Belongs to the type I cytokine receptor family. Type 2 subfamily.,similarity:Contains 4 fibronectin type-III domains.,subunit:Heterodimer composed of OSMR and IL6ST (type II OSM receptor). Heterodimer with IL31RA to form the IL31 receptor.,tissue specificity:Expressed at relatively high levels in all neural cells as well as fibroblast, epithelial and a variety of tumor cell lines.,

This gene encodes an enzyme that hydrolyzes the terminal alpha-L-iduronic acid residues of two glycosaminoglycans, dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate. This hydrolysis is required for the lysosomal degradation of these glycosaminoglycans. Mutations in this gene that result in enzymatic deficiency lead to the autosomal recessive disease mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I). [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

olfactory receptor family 4 subfamily F member 6(OR4F6) Homo sapiens Olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose, to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell. The olfactory receptor proteins are members of a large family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) arising from single coding-exon genes. Olfactory receptors share a 7-transmembrane domain structure with many neurotransmitter and hormone receptors and are responsible for the recognition and G protein-mediated transduction of odorant signals. The olfactory receptor gene family is the largest in the genome. The nomenclature assigned to the olfactory receptor genes and proteins for this organism is independent of other organisms. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

Histones are basic nuclear proteins that are responsible for the nucleosome structure of the chromosomal fiber in eukaryotes. This structure consists of approximately 146 bp of DNA wrapped around a nucleosome, an octamer composed of pairs of each of the four core histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4). The chromatin fiber is further compacted through the interaction of a linker histone, H1, with the DNA between the nucleosomes to form higher order chromatin structures. This gene is intronless and encodes a replication-dependent histone that is a member of the histone H3 family. Transcripts from this gene lack polyA tails; instead, they contain a palindromic termination element. This gene is found in the large histone gene cluster on chromosome 6p22-p21.3. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2015],

This gene encodes an enzyme involved in catalyzing the conversion of angiotensin I into a physiologically active peptide angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasopressor and aldosterone-stimulating peptide that controls blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte balance. This enzyme plays a key role in the renin-angiotensin system. Many studies have associated the presence or absence of a 287 bp Alu repeat element in this gene with the levels of circulating enzyme or cardiovascular pathophysiologies. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified, and two most abundant spliced variants encode the somatic form and the testicular form, respectively, that are equally active. [provided by RefSeq, May 2010],

This gene encodes a member of the Girdin family of coiled-coil domain containing proteins. The encoded protein is an actin-binding protein that is activated by the serine/threonine kinase Akt and plays a role in cytoskeleton remodeling and cell migration. The encoded protein also enhances Akt signaling by mediating phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent activation of Akt by growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases and G protein-coupled receptors. Increased expression of this gene and phosphorylation of the encoded protein may play a role in cancer metastasis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2011],

HLA-DRA is one of the HLA class II alpha chain paralogues. This class II molecule is a heterodimer consisting of an alpha and a beta chain, both anchored in the membrane. It plays a central role in the immune system by presenting peptides derived from extracellular proteins. Class II molecules are expressed in antigen presenting cells (APC: B lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages). The alpha chain is approximately 33-35 kDa and its gene contains 5 exons. Exon 1 encodes the leader peptide, exons 2 and 3 encode the two extracellular domains, and exon 4 encodes the transmembrane domain and the cytoplasmic tail. DRA does not have polymorphisms in the peptide binding part and acts as the sole alpha chain for DRB1, DRB3, DRB4 and DRB5. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

Actin is a highly conserved protein and an essential component of cell cytoskeleton and plays an important role in cytoplasmic streaming, cell shape determination, cell division, organelle movement and extension growth. Preferentially expressed in young and expanding tissues, floral organ primordia, developing seeds and emerging inflorescence. Antibodies against plant Actin are useful as loading controls for Western Blotting

alternative products:Additional isoforms seem to exist,caution:Was originally (PubMed:7864889) thought to be nuclear.,function:Binds calmodulin in a calcium dependent manner. May function as scaffolding or signaling protein.,similarity:Belongs to the WD repeat striatin family.,similarity:Contains 6 WD repeats.,subunit:Interacts with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) .,

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the STAT protein family. In response to cytokines and growth factors, STAT family members are phosphorylated by the receptor associated kinases, and then form homo- or heterodimers that translocate to the cell nucleus where they act as transcription activators. In response to interferon (IFN), this protein forms a complex with STAT1 and IFN regulatory factor family protein p48 (ISGF3G), in which this protein acts as a transactivator, but lacks the ability to bind DNA directly. Transcription adaptor P300/CBP (EP300/CREBBP) has been shown to interact specifically with this protein, which is thought to be involved in the process of blocking IFN-alpha response by adenovirus. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2010],

function:May play a significant role in AAUAAA-independent mRNA polyadenylation in germ cells. Directly involved in the binding to pre-mRNAs.,PTM:Phosphorylated upon DNA damage, probably by ATM or ATR.,similarity:Contains 1 RRM (RNA recognition motif) domain.,

Mammalian mitochondrial ribosomal proteins are encoded by nuclear genes and help in protein synthesis within the mitochondrion. Mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) consist of a small 28S subunit and a large 39S subunit. They have an estimated 75% protein to rRNA composition compared to prokaryotic ribosomes, where this ratio is reversed. Another difference between mammalian mitoribosomes and prokaryotic ribosomes is that the latter contain a 5S rRNA. Among different species, the proteins comprising the mitoribosome differ greatly in sequence, and sometimes in biochemical properties, which prevents easy recognition by sequence homology. This gene encodes a putative 39S subunit protein and belongs to the L47P ribosomal protein family. Pseudogenes corresponding to this gene are found on chromosomes 2p, 2q, 5p, and 10q. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

This gene encodes a scaffold protein that functions as a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 1a. Expression of this gene is particularly high in dendritic spines, suggesting that the encoded protein may play a role in receiving signals from the central nervous system. The encoded protein has putative tumor suppressor function and decreased expression has been observed in tumors. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2014],

This gene encodes a serine/threonine-protein kinase that is involved in mitotic regulation. This protein is localized to the centrosome, and undetectable during G1 phase, but accumulates progressively throughout the S phase, reaching maximal levels in late G2 phase. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms with distinct C-termini have been noted for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2011],

This gene encodes a component of prolyl 4-hydroxylase, a key enzyme in collagen synthesis composed of two identical alpha subunits and two beta subunits. The encoded protein is one of several different types of alpha subunits and provides the major part of the catalytic site of the active enzyme. In collagen and related proteins, prolyl 4-hydroxylase catalyzes the formation of 4-hydroxyproline that is essential to the proper three-dimensional folding of newly synthesized procollagen chains. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2014],

This gene is a member of the AB hydrolase superfamily and encodes a protein with an alpha/beta hydrolase fold. This domain is common to a number of hydrolytic enzymes of widely differing phylogenetic origins and catalytic functions. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

The V5 epitope tag is derived from a small epitope (Pk) present on the P and V proteins of the paramyxovirus of simian virus 5 (SV5). The V5 tag antibody can be helpful in detecting the recombinant proteins, some of which include transmembrane and secreted proteins fusion protein.

Calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) is a pore-forming membrane protein that in humans is encoded by the CALHM1 gene.

Bone marrow stromal cells are involved in the growth and development of B-cells. The specific function of the protein encoded by the bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 is undetermined; however, this protein may play a role in pre-B-cell growth and in rheumatoid arthritis. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the family of P-type cation transport ATPases, and to the subfamily of Na+/K+ -ATPases. Na+/K+ -ATPase is an integral membrane protein responsible for establishing and maintaining the electrochemical gradients of Na and K ions across the plasma membrane. These gradients are essential for osmoregulation, for sodium-coupled transport of a variety of organic and inorganic molecules, and for electrical excitability of nerve and muscle. This enzyme is composed of two subunits, a large catalytic subunit (alpha) and a smaller glycoprotein subunit (beta). The catalytic subunit of Na+/K+ -ATPase is encoded by multiple genes. This gene encodes an alpha 2 subunit. Mutations in this gene result in familial basilar or hemiplegic migraines, and in a rare syndrome known as alternating hemiplegia of childhood. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2008],

This gene encodes a member the HERC ubiquitin ligase family. The encoded protein is located in the cytosol and binds ubiquitin via a HECT domain. Mutations in this gene have been associated with colorectal and gastric carcinomas. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2012],

function:May act as a receptor in regulating T-cell proliferation. CD5 interacts with CD72/LYB-2.,similarity:Contains 3 SRCR domains.,

This gene encodes a member of the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family. The encoded protein is a receptor for cysteinyl leukotrienes, and is involved in mediating bronchoconstriction via activation of a phosphatidylinositol-calcium second messenger system. Activation of the encoded receptor results in contraction and proliferation of bronchial smooth muscle cells, eosinophil migration, and damage to the mucus layer in the lung. Upregulation of this gene is associated with asthma and dysregulation may also be implicated in cancer. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2013],

This gene encodes a member of the keratin gene family. This gene is one of multiple type I hair keratin genes that are clustered in a region of chromosome 17q12-q21 and have the same direction of transcription. As a type I hair keratin, the encoded protein is an acidic protein which heterodimerizes with type II keratins to form hair and nails. There are two isoforms of this protein, encoded by two separate genes, keratin 33A and keratin 33B. [provided by RefSeq, May 2012],

The Bestrophins are a newly described family of anion channels unrelated in primary sequence to any previously characterized channel proteins. Two different topologies for Bestrophin-1 have been proposed.

This gene encodes a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase which is involved in calcium-induced regulation of ion channels and activation of the map kinase signaling pathway. The encoded protein may represent an important signaling intermediate between neuropeptide-activated receptors or neurotransmitters that increase calcium flux and the downstream signals that regulate neuronal activity. The encoded protein undergoes rapid tyrosine phosphorylation and activation in response to increases in the intracellular calcium concentration, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation, membrane depolarization, or protein kinase C activation. This protein has been shown to bind CRK-associated substrate, nephrocystin, GTPase regulator associated with FAK, and the SH2 domain of GRB2. The encoded protein is a member of the FAK subfamily of protein tyrosine kinases but lacks significant sequence similarity t

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine- and threonine-specific protein kinases that can be activated by calcium and the second messenger diacylglycerol. PKC family members phosphorylate a wide variety of protein targets and are known to be involved in diverse cellular signaling pathways. PKC family members also serve as major receptors for phorbol esters, a class of tumor promoters. Each member of the PKC family has a specific expression profile and is believed to play a distinct role in cells. The protein encoded by this gene is one of the PKC family members. This kinase has been reported to play roles in many different cellular processes, such as cell adhesion, cell transformation, cell cycle checkpoint, and cell volume control. Knockout studies in mice suggest that this kinase may be a fundamental regulator of cardiac contractility and Ca(2+) handling in myocytes. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family. The TRIM motif includes three zinc-binding domains, a RING, a B-box type 1 and a B-box type 2, and a coiled-coil region. This protein is also a member of the ADP ribosylation factor family of guanine nucleotide-binding family of proteins. Its carboxy terminus contains an ADP-ribosylation factor domain and a guanine nucleotide binding site, while the amino terminus contains a GTPase activating protein domain which acts on the guanine nucleotide binding site. The protein localizes to lysosomes and the Golgi apparatus. It plays a role in the formation of intracellular transport vesicles, their movement from one compartment to another, and phopholipase D activation. Three alternatively spliced transcript variants for this gene have been described. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

DNA meiotic recombinase 1(DMC1) Homo sapiens This gene encodes a member of the superfamily of recombinases (also called DNA strand-exchange proteins). Recombinases are important for repairing double-strand DNA breaks during mitosis and meiosis. This protein, which is evolutionarily conserved, is reported to be essential for meiotic homologous recombination and may thus play an important role in generating diversity of genetic information. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, May 2013],

ADP ribosylation factor 4(ARF4) Homo sapiens This gene is a member of the human ARF gene family whose members encode small guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that stimulate the ADP-ribosyltransferase activity of cholera toxin and play a role in vesicular trafficking and as activators of phospholipase D. The gene products include 5 ARF proteins and 11 ARF-like proteins and constitute one family of the RAS superfamily. The ARF proteins are categorized as class I, class II and class III; this gene is a class II member. The members of each class share a common gene organization. The ARF4 gene spans approximately 12kb and contains six exons and five introns. This gene is the most divergent member of the human ARFs. Conflicting map positions at 3p14 or 3p21 have been reported for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

Neurotensin receptor 1 belongs to the large superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors. NTSR1 mediates the multiple functions of neurotensin, such as hypotension, hyperglycemia, hypothermia, antinociception, and regulation of intestinal motility and secretion. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],

Laminins, a family of extracellular matrix glycoproteins, are the major noncollagenous constituent of basement membranes. They have been implicated in a wide variety of biological processes including cell adhesion, differentiation, migration, signaling, neurite outgrowth and metastasis. Laminins, composed of 3 non identical chains: laminin alpha, beta and gamma (formerly A, B1, and B2, respectively), have a cruciform structure consisting of 3 short arms, each formed by a different chain, and a long arm composed of all 3 chains. Each laminin chain is a multidomain protein encoded by a distinct gene. Several isoforms of each chain have been described. Different alpha, beta and gamma chain isomers combine to give rise to different heterotrimeric laminin isoforms which are designated by Arabic numerals in the order of their discovery, i.e. alpha1beta1gamma1 heterotrimer is laminin 1. The biological func