Lamb1-KO Mouse

LAMB1, encoding laminin subunit beta 1, is a key component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Laminin, consisting of one α-, one β-, and one γ-chain, is crucial for bridging the internal and external environment of cells and transmitting signals. LAMB1 is involved in attachment, migration, and organization during development, and is associated with pathways like PI3K-Akt, focal adhesion, and ECM-receptor interaction [2,4].

In multiple cancers, LAMB1 shows significance. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), DDX24 binds LAMB1 mRNA and increases its stability, promoting HCC progression, suggesting the RFX8/DDX24/LAMB1 axis as a potential therapeutic target [1]. In gastric cancer, LAMB1 is upregulated, related to T stage and poor prognosis, and may be associated with tumor microenvironmental changes [2]. It also promotes gastric cancer cell growth and motility via the ERK/c-Jun axis [4]. In nasopharyngeal carcinoma, high LAMB1 expression is associated with an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment and enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion [9]. In addition, in prostate cancer, sEV protein LAMB1 is highly expressed in metastatic patients' plasma, showing promise for diagnosis and risk stratification [5].

In mice, knockdown of LAMB1 in the anterior cingulate cortex exacerbates pain sensitivity and induces anxiety and depression, revealing its role in modulating pain plasticity [3]. In humans, end-truncated LAMB1 is associated with a hippocampal memory defect and a leukoencephalopathy [6,10], and a novel in-frame deletion in LAMB1 is reported in a pediatric patient with brain anomalies and a cerebrovascular event [8]. Also, Lamb1 promotes fracture repair and healing by up-regulating VEGFA expression via the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway to drive endothelial angiogenesis [7].

In conclusion, LAMB1 is essential for various biological processes related to cell-matrix interactions and signal transduction. Its dysregulation is implicated in multiple diseases, especially cancers, pain-related psychiatric disorders, and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative-like conditions. Studies on LAMB1, including those using genetic models, contribute to understanding disease mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets.