Figure 10.

Model for the presence of monomeric laminin 5 and complexed laminin 5 within an epithelial–stromal junction. The cartoon depicts monomeric laminin 5 as the bridge between hemidesmosomal integrin α6β4 and the type VII collagen NC-1 domain. The tight binding of laminin 5 to α6β4 and to type VII collagen provides the primary resistance to frictional forces. The laminin 5–6/7 complex is shown within the basement membrane between hemidesmosomes, bound by integrin α3β1 where it potentially functions to maintain basement membrane stability and contact with the epithelial basolateral surface.