该基因编码的蛋白质属于层粘连蛋白家族的分泌分子。层粘连蛋白是一种异三聚体分子，由α、β和γ亚基组成，这些亚基通过螺旋线圈结构域组装而成。层粘连蛋白对基底膜的形成和功能至关重要，在调节细胞迁移和机械信号转导方面具有额外的功能。该基因编码α亚单位，对多种上皮间充质调节因子（包括角质形成细胞生长因子、表皮生长因子和胰岛素样生长因子）有反应。该基因突变被认为是herlitz型交界性大疱性表皮松解症和喉咽喉皮肤综合征的病因。选择性剪接和选择性启动子的使用导致多个转录变体。[由RefSeq提供，2014年12月]
The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the laminin family of secreted molecules. Laminins are heterotrimeric molecules that consist of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits that assemble through a coiled-coil domain. Laminins are essential for formation and function of the basement membrane and have additional functions in regulating cell migration and mechanical signal transduction. This gene encodes an alpha subunit and is responsive to several epithelial-mesenchymal regulators including keratinocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor. Mutations in this gene have been identified as the cause of Herlitz type junctional epidermolysis bullosa and laryngoonychocutaneous syndrome. Alternative splicing and alternative promoter usage result in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2014]