The LAMA3 antibody is a research and diagnostic tool designed to detect the laminin subunit alpha-3 (LAMA3), a protein critical for cell adhesion, basement membrane integrity, and tissue organization. LAMA3 is encoded by the LAMA3 gene, which produces three isoforms (alpha-3a, alpha-3b1, alpha-3b2) involved in forming laminin proteins like laminin 332 (laminin-5) and laminin 311 . The antibody is widely used in biomedical research to study epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer progression, and skin disorders such as junctional epidermolysis bullosa .
2.1. Immunogen and Specificity
LAMA3 antibodies are typically generated against recombinant protein fragments of the LAMA3 gene. For example, the Abcam [CL3112] antibody targets residues 2000–2150 of the human LAMA3 protein, ensuring specificity for laminin alpha-3 subunits . Proteintech’s 60613-3-PBS antibody uses a fusion protein immunogen (Ag30144) to target the protein’s extracellular matrix domain .
2.2. Host and Isotype
Commercially available LAMA3 antibodies are predominantly mouse monoclonal IgG1, optimized for compatibility with human samples . This isotype minimizes cross-reactivity and enhances signal-to-noise ratios in assays like Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) .
3.1. Cancer Studies
Recent research highlights LAMA3’s role in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) progression. Knockdown experiments using siRNA against LAMA3 reduced cell proliferation by 55% in KKU-213 CCA cells, linking LAMA3 to focal adhesion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathways . The antibody has been proposed as a diagnostic biomarker for CCA, given its overexpression in tumor stroma .
3.2. Skin and Epithelial Disorders
In junctional epidermolysis bullosa, LAMA3 mutations disrupt laminin 332 assembly, leading to skin blistering and tissue fragility . Immunohistochemistry with LAMA3 antibodies (e.g., Abcam’s [CL3112]) confirms the absence of functional laminin 332 in affected tissues .
3.3. Tissue Analysis
The antibody is validated for detecting laminin alpha-3 in paraffin-embedded human tissues, including stomach and lymph node samples . Western blot applications demonstrate specificity for laminin 332 and related isoforms (laminin 421, 511) .
Emerging applications include:
Multiplex imaging: Proteintech’s conjugation-ready antibodies enable co-detection of LAMA3 with other ECM proteins .
Therapeutic targeting: Inhibiting LAMA3 in cancer may suppress tumor growth, as shown in preclinical CCA models .
Neurological research: LAMA3 antibodies are used to study laminin’s role in neural cell adhesion and migration .