Genetic analysis of laminin A reveals diverse functions during morphogenesis in Drosophila.

In order to dissect the functions of laminin A in vivo, we have undertaken a molecular and genetic characterization of the laminin A subunit (lamA) gene in Drosophila. Sequence analysis predicts a multidomain structure similar to mammalian homologs. We generated a series of complete and partial loss-of-function mutant alleles of the lamA gene; complete loss-of-function mutations lead to late embryonic lethality. Certain combinations of partial loss-of-function lamA alleles give rise to escaper adults, which have rough eyes associated with changes in cell fate and pattern, misshapen legs and defects in wing structure. These phenotypes suggest that laminin A has diverse functions during morphogenesis in Drosophila.