Laminins are proteins with high molecular weights. They are the basic and main components of the basal lamina. Laminins are important and active ingredients of the basal lamina and influence in processes like cell differentiation, adhesion, and migration. 

Laminins consist of alpha, beta and gamma chain which is found in its genetic variants. In the current study from multidisciplinary researchers of University of Wisconsin- Madison, engineers have recognized a protein which is integral to self-renewal processes in human pluripotent stem cells.

The team recognized the protein alpha-5 laminin as a very critical component of stem cell’s extracellular matrix. From the different array of substrates that support the growth and maintenance of pluripotency in human pluripotent stem cells all have one common thing of alpha-5 laminin production. The protein is great for development of synthetic substrates or environments which support the human pluripotent stem cells. 

Alpha-5 laminin can be very helpful for researchers who want to work with stem cells by producing an environment which supports its own survival. The research team identified alpha-5 laminin as most important ingredient by knocking out the gene completely. The human pluripotent stem cells did not survive under such conditions.

Thus, the team concluded that the protein alpha-5 laminin have an important role to play in maintenance and survival of human pluripotency stem cells. Further studies and modification of the key ingredients can also help the researchers in changing the environment according to their requirements.