該基因編碼的蛋白質屬于層粘連蛋白家族的分泌分子。層粘連蛋白是一種異三聚體分子，由α、β和γ亞基組成，這些亞基通過螺旋線圈結構域組裝而成。層粘連蛋白對基底膜的形成和功能至關重要，在調節細胞遷移和機械信號轉導方面具有額外的功能。該基因編碼α亞單位，對多種上皮間充質調節因子（包括角質形成細胞生長因子、表皮生長因子和胰島素樣生長因子）有反應。該基因突變被認為是herlitz型交界性大皰性表皮松解癥和喉咽喉皮膚綜合征的病因。選擇性剪接和選擇性啟動子的使用導致多個轉錄變體。[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]