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Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: August 27, 2013
Galectin-3 induced by hypoxia promotes cell migration in thyroid cancer cells
Jiaojiao Zheng1, Weihui Lu1, Cong Wang1
1Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Background:
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Galectin-3 in human thyroid cancer migration.
Methods:
The expression of Galectin-3 in surgical specimens was investigated using immunohistochemistry and western blot. A papillary thyroid cancer cell line (B-cpap) and an anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line (8305c) were transfected with short-hairpin RNA against Galectin-3 (Gal-3-shRNA). Low-molecular citrus pectin (LCP) was also used to antagonize Galectin-3. The migration and invasion of the cell lines were examined. The related signaling pathways were investigated to explore the Galectin-3 mechanism of action.
Results:
Galectin-3 was highly expressed in metastasized thyroid cancers. Knocking down and antagonizing Galectin-3 significantly suppressed the migration of thyroid cancer cells. Knocking down Galectin-3 inhibited the activity of Wnt, MAPK, Src and Rho signaling pathways. Galectin-3 was up-regulated via HIF-1α in a hypoxic environment. Galectin-3 knockdown could reduce cell motility in hypoxic environments.
Conclusion:
This study suggests that Galectin-3 could act as a modulator of thyroid cancer migration, especially in hypoxic microenvironments. This regulation function of Galectin-3 may work through multiple signaling pathways.
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