Cancer Therapy Due to Apoptosis: Galectin-9
Koji Fujita1, Hisakazu Iwama2, Kyoko Oura3
1Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Ikenobe 1750-1, Miki, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan. 92m7v9@med.kagawa-u.ac.jp.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 4, 2017
Summary
Galectin-9, a protein that induces programmed cell death (apoptosis), shows promise as an anti-cancer agent. A modified form, hG9NC (null), effectively targets various cancer types by triggering apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Dysregulated apoptosis is a key factor in cancer malignancy and chemoresistance.
- Lectins, carbohydrate-binding proteins, have demonstrated anti-cancer properties.
- Galectin-9 induces apoptosis in immune cells, influencing acquired immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular characteristics, history, and apoptosis-inducing potential of galectin-9.
- To highlight the anti-cancer activities of galectin-9 and its modified forms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on galectin-9's role in apoptosis and cancer.
- Analysis of galectin-9's molecular structure and function.
- Examination of studies investigating galectin-9's anti-cancer effects.
Main Results:
- Galectin-9 induces apoptosis in thymocytes and immune cells.
- Human recombinant galectin-9, hG9NC (null), resists proteolysis.
- hG9NC (null) exhibits anti-cancer activity by inducing apoptosis in hematological, dermatological, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Conclusions:
- Galectin-9 is a significant inducer of apoptosis with therapeutic potential in oncology.
- Modified galectin-9 variants like hG9NC (null) offer enhanced stability and anti-cancer efficacy.
- Further research into galectin-9's mechanisms may lead to novel cancer treatments.
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