This gene encodes a member of the integrin family of cell surface proteins that mediate cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix and other cells. The encoded transmembrane protein is the alpha subunit that forms a noncovalent heterodimer with the beta subunit to form the functional integrin receptor that binds to laminin. Mice lacking the encoded protein exhibit symptoms of progressive muscular dystrophy, impaired axonal regeneration and cerebral vascular defects. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2016]