Figure 3.

Functional roles of laminin α2 in other areas of the central nervous system (CNS). (A) Blood-brain barrier integrity is regulated by LAMA2 expression. Inset depicts laminin interaction with dystroglycan, which helps to cluster aquaporin-4 channels at barrier astrocytic endfeet. (B) Laminin α2 influences long-term synaptic plasticity. Inset depicts laminin interaction with dystroglycan, which helps to mediate the clustering of GABA_A receptors at inhibitory synapses. (C) Neurite outgrowth and axon pathfinding are influenced by α2-containing laminins. Inset depicts laminin interaction with integrin α6β1 in neuronal growth cones, which helps to couple extracellular matrix (ECM) and the actin cytoskeleton as growth cones extend.