PLoS ONE, 2014 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109388 · Published: October 8, 2014
This paper explores the structure of polylaminin (polyLM), a special form of the protein laminin, using advanced microscopy techniques. The researchers found that polyLM has a unique three-dimensional structure, resembling a sponge-like network, unlike regular laminin (LM). They discovered that polyLM exhibits fractal properties, meaning its structure looks similar at different magnifications. This fractal nature is not observed in regular laminin matrices. The study suggests that this unique fractal structure of polyLM could be important for understanding how basement membranes, which contain laminin, are organized in the brain's stem cell niches.
The fractal nature of polyLM provides insights into the complex organization of basement membranes, particularly in stem cell niches within the central nervous system.
The unique structural properties of polyLM could be utilized in tissue engineering applications to mimic the natural extracellular matrix environment.
The ability of polyLM to promote axonal regeneration, as shown in previous studies, combined with its fractal nature, suggests potential therapeutic applications in spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders.