So Much More Than Just Structural Support: Laminin-332 and Its Multifaceted Functions in Skin Homeostasis and Disease

This review highlights the multifaceted roles of laminin-332 in skin homeostasis and disease, emphasizing its importance beyond structural support. Laminin-332 is crucial for maintaining epidermal cohesion, as evidenced by its involvement in junctional epidermolysis bullosa, and recent genetic therapies targeting it show promise. It also plays a significant role in signaling through integrins and syndecans, affecting epidermal homeostasis, migration, repair, and the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, laminin-332 is linked to epidermal stem cell maintenance, skin aging, hair follicle biology, melanocyte behavior, and skin immunity. Emerging evidence suggests its involvement in epidermal metabolism, presenting new research opportunities. The review also compares laminin-332 with other cutaneous laminins to elucidate its specialized functions.