Final answer:
Laminin is used in experiments because of its similarity to fibronectin; both are vital in the ECM for cell adhesion, migration, and interaction with integrins, which are pivotal for tissue engineering and repair.
Step-by-step explanation:
You start a new experiment using laminin. This experiment would likely involve the use of laminin because of its structural and functional similarity to fibronectin, another important glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and migration. Both these proteins play key roles in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are critical for not only providing support and organization to cells, but also in mediating cell attachment, which is crucial during processes such as tissue development and wound healing.
Laminin and fibronectin bind to integral membrane proteins called integrins, which help attach cells to the ECM. This interaction is significant for advancing tissue engineering strategies, such as creating scaffolds that mimic the natural ECM to support tissue regeneration. Moreover, specific peptides like the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence derived from fibronectin have been used to promote cell attachment to various biomaterials, highlighting the role of these proteins in tissue engineering and cellular communication.