Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein: Properties & Applications

Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein is a bioactive extracellular matrix component representing the laminin alpha-4 chain, produced recombinantly to support a broad range of cell biology, angiogenesis, and basement membrane research applications.

Protein Name

Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein (Laminin Alpha-4 Chain)

Gene Name

LAMA4

Protein Family

Laminin family, extracellular matrix glycoprotein

Biological Role

Component of basement membranes; mediates cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, and angiogenesis

Expression System

Recombinant (expression system details should be confirmed with product datasheet)

Primary Applications

Cell adhesion assays, angiogenesis studies, ECM research, cell culture substrate coating

Storage

Refer to product datasheet for specific storage temperature and buffer conditions

What Is LAMA4 and Its Biological Significance

LAMA4 encodes the laminin alpha-4 chain, one of the alpha-chain subunits of the laminin family of extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins. Laminins are large, heterotrimeric proteins composed of alpha, beta, and gamma chains linked by disulfide bonds, forming cross-shaped structures that are major structural constituents of basement membranes throughout the body.

The LAMA4 chain is specifically enriched in vascular basement membranes, peripheral nervous system tissues, and hematopoietic compartments. It plays critical roles in regulating endothelial cell behavior, supporting angiogenesis, and maintaining tissue architecture. Studies have linked LAMA4 expression to processes including vascular development, tumor progression, and muscle fiber organization.

Because of its wide tissue distribution and involvement in fundamental cell-matrix interactions, LAMA4 has become an important target of investigation in cancer biology, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine research.

Biochemical Properties of Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein

Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein is produced using recombinant DNA technology to deliver a well-defined, reproducible source of the laminin alpha-4 chain for in vitro research. Recombinant production eliminates batch-to-batch variability associated with tissue-derived preparations and enables consistent experimental outcomes.

As a glycoprotein, LAMA4 carries post-translational modifications including N-linked glycosylation that can influence its folding, secretion, and interaction with cell-surface receptors such as integrins and dystroglycan. Researchers should consult the product datasheet for confirmed specifications including molecular weight, purity, endotoxin levels, and formulation buffer, as these may vary by lot.

Typical quality controls applied to recombinant proteins of this class include SDS-PAGE analysis for purity assessment and bioactivity assays confirming functional receptor binding or cell adhesion promotion. Endotoxin testing via LAL assay is standard to ensure suitability for cell-based experiments.

Research Applications

Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein supports a diverse range of in vitro and ex vivo research applications:

• Cell Adhesion Assays: LAMA4 can be used to coat tissue culture surfaces to study integrin-mediated cell adhesion, spreading, and migration. It is particularly relevant for endothelial cells, hematopoietic progenitors, and muscle cells.
• Angiogenesis Research: As a vascular basement membrane component, LAMA4 is used to investigate endothelial cell tube formation, sprouting, and vascular morphogenesis in vitro.
• Extracellular Matrix Reconstitution: LAMA4 can be incorporated into defined ECM systems or used alongside other basement membrane proteins to create biologically relevant substrates for 2D and 3D cell culture models.
• Receptor Binding Studies: Recombinant LAMA4 serves as a substrate or ligand in binding studies examining interactions with integrins (e.g., α6β1, α7β1) and other ECM receptors.
• Cancer and Tumor Biology: LAMA4 expression has been implicated in tumor vascularization and metastasis, making this recombinant protein useful for mechanistic studies in oncology.

Handling, Storage, and Experimental Considerations

Proper handling of recombinant ECM proteins is essential to maintain their structural integrity and bioactivity. The following general guidelines apply to Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein; always defer to the product-specific datasheet for confirmed protocols:

• Reconstitution: Lyophilized preparations should be reconstituted with the buffer recommended in the datasheet. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to minimize condensation-related degradation.
• Aliquoting: To avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can denature the protein and reduce bioactivity, prepare single-use aliquots upon first reconstitution and store at the recommended temperature.
• Coating Surfaces: When using LAMA4 as a cell culture substrate, dilute to the appropriate concentration in a suitable coating buffer, apply to the surface, incubate at the recommended temperature, and aspirate excess solution before seeding cells.
• Endotoxin Sensitivity: For cell-based assays, verify the endotoxin specification in the datasheet. Low endotoxin preparations are preferred for sensitive primary cell cultures.
• Carrier Proteins: Some formulations include BSA as a carrier to stabilize the protein. Take this into account when designing experiments where albumin may interfere with readouts.

Why Choose Aladdin Scientific Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein

Aladdin Scientific is committed to providing high-quality research reagents that meet the rigorous standards demanded by modern life science research. Our Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein (SKU: rp365289) is manufactured under controlled conditions to ensure consistent purity, bioactivity, and reproducibility across experiments.

Key advantages include:

• Defined recombinant source for experimental reproducibility
• Quality-controlled for purity and bioactivity
• Suitable for a wide range of ECM, cell biology, and disease model applications
• Supported by technical documentation including a product datasheet

For detailed specifications, pricing, and ordering information, please visit the Aladdin Scientific website or contact our technical support team. We are available to assist with application-specific recommendations and bulk inquiry support.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between LAMA4 and other laminin alpha chains?

LAMA4 (laminin alpha-4) is one of five known laminin alpha chains (LAMA1–5). Unlike LAMA1, which is broadly expressed in many basement membranes, LAMA4 shows preferential expression in vascular endothelial basement membranes, hematopoietic tissues, and peripheral nerves. This tissue-specific distribution makes LAMA4 particularly relevant for studies of angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, and vascular biology.

What cell types are most commonly studied using Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein?

Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein is most frequently used with endothelial cells, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, skeletal muscle cells, and peripheral nerve-associated cells such as Schwann cells. Its expression pattern in vascular and hematopoietic basement membranes makes it especially relevant for cardiovascular and stem cell biology research.

How should Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein be stored to maintain bioactivity?

General best practice for recombinant ECM proteins is to store lyophilized material at -20°C or -80°C as specified in the product datasheet, reconstitute only the amount needed, and prepare single-use aliquots to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Always refer to the specific product datasheet for confirmed storage conditions, as formulation details can affect stability.

Can Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein be used as a coating for 3D cell culture models?

Yes, Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein can be incorporated into defined extracellular matrix systems for 3D culture applications, either alone or in combination with other basement membrane proteins. The optimal coating concentration and protocol should be empirically determined for each specific cell type and scaffold system.

Is Recombinant Human LAMA4 Protein suitable for in vivo use?

This product is intended for research use only and is not approved for clinical or therapeutic applications. For any in vivo research use, researchers must independently verify the endotoxin level, sterility, and biocompatibility specifications with the product datasheet and assess suitability for their specific experimental model.

References

1. Aumailley M. The laminin family. Cell Adhesion & Migration. 2013;7(1):48-55. doi:10.4161/cam.22826
2. Thyboll J, Kortesmaa J, Cao R, et al. Deletion of the laminin alpha4 chain leads to impaired microvessel maturation. Molecular and Cellular Biology. 2002;22(4):1194-1202. doi:10.1128/MCB.22.4.1194-1202.2002
3. Ringelmann B, Roder C, Hallmann R, et al. Expression of laminin alpha1, alpha2, alpha4, and alpha5 chains, fibronectin, and tenascin-C in skeletal muscle of dystrophic 129ReJ dy/dy mice. Experimental Cell Research. 1999;246(1):165-182. doi:10.1006/excr.1998.4244
4. Patarroyo M, Tryggvason K, Virtanen I. Laminin isoforms in tumor invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. Seminars in Cancer Biology. 2002;12(3):197-207. doi:10.1016/S1044-579X(02)00023-8

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.