Arek Kulczyk's laboratory, in collaboration with Peter Yurchenco's laboratory, determined a cryo-EM structure of the laminin polymer node, the basic repeating unit of the laminin lattice. Laminin polymerization is the major step in the assembly of basement membranes, an integral part of the extracellular matrix. Failures in laminin polymerization cause multiple human disorders, including Pierson syndrome and LAMA2 muscular dystrophy. In addition, disruption of laminin polymer impedes cancer metastases. The 3.7 Å cryo-EM structure of the trimeric laminin polymer node consisting of a1, b1 and g1 subunits has been recently published in Nature Communication. The structure reveals fundamental molecular mechanisms of calcium-dependent formation of laminin lattice, and provides detailed insight into polymerization defects manifesting in human disease. The structure offers to facilitate rational drug design aiming in the treatment of laminin deficiencies, and can foster development of biomimetic basement membranes for tissue implants.
