Laminin 511 E8 is a truncated laminin 511, which consists of the C-terminal end of the alpha 5, beta 1, and gamma 1 chains, as one of the ECM proteins. Laminin E8s serve as functionally minimal forms that retain the full capability for binding to integrins. More importantly, laminin 511 E8 is the key matrix for feeder-free culture of human embryonic (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Furthermore, laminin 511 E8 could also support the self-renewal of hESC and iPSC without spontaneous differentiation, in combination with defined stem cell culture media.