LAMA3 (Laminin Subunit Alpha 3) is a protein belonging to the laminin family of secreted molecules that are essential components of the extracellular matrix. Laminins are heterotrimeric molecules consisting of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits that assemble through a coiled-coil domain . LAMA3 functions primarily in:
Mediating cellular attachment, migration, and tissue organization during embryonic development
Facilitating cell adhesion via integrin alpha-3/beta-1 in focal adhesions and integrin alpha-6/beta-4 in hemidesmosomes
Signal transduction via tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125-FAK and p80
LAMA3 antibodies enable researchers to investigate these biological processes through various techniques including immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. Biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibodies are particularly valuable for enhancing detection sensitivity in complex tissue environments.
Based on available product specifications, the optimal experimental conditions for biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibody use include:
| Application | Recommended Dilution | Incubation Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELISA | 1:500-1000 | 1-2 hours | Room temperature |
| IHC-P | 1:200-400 | Overnight | 4°C |
For immunohistochemistry of paraffin-embedded tissues (IHC-P), antigen retrieval is typically required. The antibody should be stored at -20°C in buffered solution containing 0.01M TBS (pH 7.4) with 1% BSA, 0.03% Proclin300, and 50% Glycerol . When working with the lyophilized format, reconstitution should follow the Certificate of Analysis instructions, generally using sterile PBS, pH 7.4 .
Thorough validation of biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibody is critical to ensure experimental reliability. Recommended validation approaches include:
Positive and negative control tissues: Use tissues known to express LAMA3 (e.g., skin, kidney) as positive controls and tissues with minimal LAMA3 expression as negative controls
Antibody specificity testing:
Knockdown/knockout validation: Compare staining patterns in LAMA3-silenced cells (using siRNA) to wild-type cells, as demonstrated in recent cholangiocarcinoma research
Cross-reactivity assessment: Evaluate potential cross-reactivity with other laminin family members, particularly other alpha subunits
Recent research has demonstrated that LAMA3 plays significant roles in cancer progression, particularly in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Studies utilizing LAMA3 knockdown have revealed that:
LAMA3 silencing reduced cell proliferation by up to 55% in KKU-213 cholangiocarcinoma cells
LAMA3 knockdown significantly decreased cell adhesion, with only 36.0 ± 10.4% and 26.7 ± 9.7% of LAMA3-silenced HuCCA-1 and KKU-213 cells remaining attached compared to controls
Cell migration was inhibited by 93% and 86% in HuCCA-1 and KKU-213 cells, respectively, following LAMA3 knockdown
Biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibodies facilitate investigation of these processes through:
Immunohistochemical profiling: Evaluating LAMA3 expression patterns in tumor versus normal tissue sections, utilizing the biotin-streptavidin system for signal amplification
Co-localization studies: Examining LAMA3 interaction with focal adhesion proteins or integrin receptors through multi-color immunofluorescence
Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling assessment: Analyzing changes in LAMA3 deposition during cancer progression and metastasis
Therapeutic target validation: Confirming accessibility and specificity of LAMA3 as a potential therapeutic target in desmoplastic cancers
LAMA3 exists in multiple isoforms (up to 4 have been reported), making isoform-specific detection methodologically challenging . When using biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibody to distinguish between isoforms, researchers should consider:
Epitope mapping: Determine the specific region recognized by the antibody (e.g., the antibody described in result targets the region spanning amino acids 2701-2800 of the 3333 amino acid full-length LAMA3)
Isoform-specific detection strategies:
Alternative approaches to complement antibody-based detection:
RT-PCR with isoform-specific primers
Mass spectrometry analysis for definitive isoform identification
RNA-seq analysis for transcriptomic profiling
Multiplex detection systems represent an advanced application of biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibody, enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple proteins within the same sample. Strategic approaches include:
Sequential multiplexing with tyramide signal amplification (TSA):
Use biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibody as the primary detection antibody
Apply streptavidin-HRP followed by tyramide-fluorophore for signal amplification
Strip or quench the signal before subsequent rounds of staining
This method allows detection of LAMA3 alongside other ECM components or integrins
Complementary marker selection based on pathway analysis:
Technical considerations for reducing background:
Perform adequate blocking of endogenous biotin
Include appropriate controls for antibody cross-reactivity
Optimize detection systems to minimize autofluorescence
Researchers may encounter several technical challenges when working with biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibody:
High background in biotin-rich tissues:
Problem: Endogenous biotin in tissues like liver, kidney, and brain can cause high background
Solution: Pre-block endogenous biotin using avidin/biotin blocking kits before antibody application
Weak signal when detecting native LAMA3:
Problem: LAMA3 in the ECM may have limited accessibility due to protein-protein interactions
Solution: Optimize antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced epitope retrieval with citrate buffer at pH 6.0 or EDTA buffer at pH 9.0)
Inconsistent staining patterns:
Problem: Variability in tissue fixation affecting epitope accessibility
Solution: Standardize fixation protocols and validate with positive control tissues known to express LAMA3
Storage-related antibody degradation:
When LAMA3 is expressed at low levels, several strategies can enhance detection sensitivity:
Signal amplification systems:
Biotin-streptavidin-HRP system with tyramide amplification
Polymer-based detection systems that provide higher sensitivity than traditional ABC methods
Sample preparation optimization:
Careful selection of fixation method and duration
Extended primary antibody incubation (overnight at 4°C)
Use of detection enhancers like protein crosslinkers
Comparative analysis of detection methods:
LAMA3 is associated with several diseases affecting epithelial integrity, most notably Epidermolysis Bullosa, Junctional 2C, Laryngoonychocutaneous syndrome, and Epidermolysis Bullosa, Junctional 2A, Intermediate . Research applications of biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibody in these disease models include:
Basement membrane organization assessment:
Visualization of LAMA3 distribution at the dermal-epidermal junction
Quantification of LAMA3 expression in normal versus diseased tissue
Co-localization studies with other basement membrane components
Mutation-specific expression analysis:
Characterization of LAMA3 expression patterns in tissues from patients with different LAMA3 mutations
Correlation of expression patterns with disease severity and clinical manifestations
Therapeutic monitoring:
Evaluation of LAMA3 restoration following experimental therapies
Assessment of basement membrane reconstitution in response to treatment
Recent studies have highlighted LAMA3's significance in cancer biology, particularly in cholangiocarcinoma. Biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibodies contribute to cancer research through:
Biomarker development:
Mechanistic studies of cancer progression:
Therapeutic target validation:
Confirmation of LAMA3 accessibility in tumor tissues using biotin-conjugated antibodies
Evaluation of antibody penetration into desmoplastic stroma
Assessment of LAMA3 as a potential target for disrupting cancer cell-ECM interactions
LAMA3's critical role in cell-ECM interactions positions it as an important molecule in tissue engineering applications. Biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibodies can advance this field by:
Biomimetic scaffold development:
Characterizing LAMA3 incorporation into engineered basement membrane constructs
Monitoring cellular response to LAMA3-containing matrices
Assessing stability and functionality of LAMA3 in artificial tissue environments
Stem cell differentiation studies:
Evaluating LAMA3 expression during directed differentiation of stem cells
Correlating LAMA3 expression patterns with successful epithelial differentiation
Monitoring basement membrane formation in organoid cultures
Integration with emerging technologies:
Combination with advanced imaging modalities for 3D visualization of LAMA3 distribution
Application in microfluidic systems to study dynamic cell-ECM interactions
Incorporation into high-throughput screening platforms for ECM-targeting therapeutics
Emerging technologies offer opportunities to expand the utility of biotin-conjugated LAMA3 antibodies:
Single-cell analysis integration:
Combining antibody-based detection with single-cell transcriptomics
Development of protocols for simultaneous protein and RNA analysis at the single-cell level
Correlation of LAMA3 protein expression with transcriptomic profiles
Advanced imaging approaches:
Super-resolution microscopy for detailed visualization of LAMA3 organization
Expansion microscopy to enhance visualization of basement membrane architecture
Light-sheet microscopy for 3D visualization of LAMA3 in intact tissues
Combinatorial analysis platforms:
Integration with mass cytometry for high-parameter analysis
Spatial transcriptomics combined with antibody-based protein detection
Development of computational tools for integrating multimodal data