
Laminins (LMs) are a family of heterotrimeric glycoproteins that form the structural foundation of basement membranes (BM). By acting as molecular bridges between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) through integrins and other surface receptors, they regulate key cellular signals that influence cell behavior and tissue architecture. Despite their physiological importance, our understanding of the role of LMs in cancer pathobiology remains fragmented. In this article, we review the diverse functions of LMs in promoting cancer cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration-critical steps in cancer metastasis. Beyond their direct effects on tumor cells, LMs influence stromal interactions and modulate tumor microenvironment dynamics, affecting processes such as angiogenesis, immune cell infiltration, cancer-associated fibroblast activation, and immune evasion. Understanding the complex roles of LMs in cancer biology, as well as their differential expression patterns in malignancies, could provide new diagnostic tools for predicting disease outcomes and pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies, such as targeting LM-receptor interactions or modulating ECM dynamics to impede tumor growth and metastasis.
Basement membrane, Integrins, R, Tumor biomarkers, Extracellular matrix, Review, http://metadata.un.org/sdg/3, Metastasis, Extracellular Matrix, Tumor microenvironment, Neoplasms, Cancer Prognosis, Tumor Microenvironment, Medicine, Humans, Animals, Angiogenesis, Laminin, Neoplasm Metastasis, Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Basement membrane, Integrins, R, Tumor biomarkers, Extracellular matrix, Review, http://metadata.un.org/sdg/3, Metastasis, Extracellular Matrix, Tumor microenvironment, Neoplasms, Cancer Prognosis, Tumor Microenvironment, Medicine, Humans, Animals, Angiogenesis, Laminin, Neoplasm Metastasis, Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 19 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
