Abstract: Laminin 332 is a major component of the basement membrane in epithelial tissues and plays roles in the adhesion, migration and differentiation of epithelial cells. Laminin 332 consists of three different gene products, α3, β3 and γ2 chains, resulting in a heterotrimeric glycoprotein. Laminin 332 is synthesized by epithelial cells as a precursor. After secretion into the extracellular matrix, the α3 and γ2 chains undergo specific proteolytic processing to produce a mature form. Under the physiological condition, the key function of laminin 332 is sustaining the stable adhesion of epithelial cells to the underlying basement membrane in epithelial tissues. Laminin 332 has been shown to be highly expressed in various types of human malignant tumors and correlate well with tumor occurrence and development. The article is intended to review the structure of laminin 332, its relationship with malignant tumors and research progresses with gynecological tumors.

Key words: Genital neoplasms, female, Laminin, Basilar membrane, Membrane glycoproteins, Laminin 332