Description
General description
Galectin-3 protein comprises a N-terminal flexible domain and a C-terminal carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD). It is mapped to human chromosome 14q22.3. Galectin-3 is expressed in sensory neurons, immune endothelial and epithelial cells.
Application
Galectin-3 human has been used:
to test its interaction with N-acetyl lactosamine coated onto quantum dots
to optimize Gal3-induced hemagglutination measurements in non-agglutinated or agglutinated chicken red blood cells (RBCs)
in Gal-3 binding assay of serum samples from multiple sclerosis patients
Biochem/physiol Actions
Galectin-3 has been associated with the inhibition of apoptosis and the progression of cancer, as well as being a mediator of inflammation. Studies have found a positive correlation between the expression of galectin-3 and tumorigenicity and metastasis in colon, liver, and thyroid cancer.
Galectin-3 (Gal3) has anti-apoptotic property and mediates adhesion of cancer cells to endothelium. The activity of Gal3 is inhibited by lactose. High levels of Gal3 is associated with cardiovascular disease and is a potential biomarker in fibrosis and inflammation associated with heart failure. Gal3 is involved in variety of biological events from differentiation to host defense and immunomodulation. Gal3 gene deletion is correlated to renal function anomalies like nephropathy. It is implicated in the pathogenesis of retinopathy and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Physical form
The product is lyophilized from water with 2 μg of lactose as stabilizer per μg of galectin-3.
Other Notes
Galectin-3 is a member of the family of animal lectins, which selectively binds β-galactoside residues.
