Nidogen (also known as entactin) is a sulfated glycoprotein found in the basement membrane, a specialized type of extracellular matrix (ECM). It serves as a key linker protein, connecting laminin and collagen IV, thereby helping stabilize the structure and function of the basement membrane.
Structure:
Nidogen has a modular structure with binding domains that allow it to interact with multiple ECM components.
There are two main isoforms in mammals:
Nidogen-1
Nidogen-2
Both are structurally similar and can often compensate for each other to some extent.
Functions:
Function
Description
Structural linkage
Connects laminin to type IV collagen, forming a stable basement membrane scaffold.
Basement membrane integrity
Maintains the mechanical stability and proper organization of the basement membrane.
Development: Nidogen is crucial in embryonic basement membrane formation.
Redundancy: Loss of one isoform (e.g., nidogen-1) can be tolerated if the other is present, but loss of both is embryonically lethal.
Disease association: Disruption of nidogen interactions can lead to basement membrane defects, contributing to muscular dystrophies, kidney diseases, and impaired wound healing.
Summary Table:
Property
Description
Protein Type
Sulfated glycoprotein
Found In
Basement membrane
Main Function
Links laminin to type IV collagen
Interacting Partners
Laminin, collagen IV, perlecan
Biological Role
Structural stability, cell signaling, tissue development
