The role of laminin in embryonic cell polarization and tissue organization.

Genetic analyses have revealed that members of the laminin glycoprotein family are required for basement membrane assembly and cell polarization, with subsequent effects on cell survival and tissue organization during metazoan embryogenesis. These functions depend upon the cooperation between laminin polymerization and cell anchorage mediated via interactions with beta1-integrins, dystroglycan, and other cell surface receptors.