Galectin-3: a novel protein in cerebellar hemangioblastoma

Hemangioblastoma (HB), a rare neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis, is characterized histologically by the presence of vacuolated; lipid-containing cells 'stromal cells' and a well developed, fine capillary network. Stromal cells are the neoplastic component of this tumor. Five-um sections were stained using streptavidin- biotin immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescent techniques. The stromal cells were uniformly "HIF-1α, Galectin-3, VEGF, VEGFR, WT-1, and bcl2," positive. Endothelial cells but not stromal cells were uniformly immunoreactive to CD31. Co-localization of HIF-1α with galectin-3 and VEGF as well as galectin-3 with VEGF in stromal cells is confirmed by immunofluorescent technique. In conclusion, the development of HB is multi-factorial and the expression of galectin-3 correlates with the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF. Galectin-3 can be used as a marker for the diagnosis of HB as well as it can be a valuable candidate for future targeting immunotherapy.