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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Bioinformatics Resources for the Study of Glycan-Mediated Protein Interactions
Published on: January 20, 2022
Pregnancy Galectinology: Insights Into a Complex Network of Glycan Binding Proteins
Sandra M Blois1,2, Gabriela Dveksler3, Gerardo R Vasta4
1Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Galectins are a phylogenetically conserved family of soluble β-galactoside binding proteins, consisting of 15 different types, each with a specific function. Galectins contribute to placentation by regulating trophoblast development, migration, and invasion during early pregnancy. In addition, galectins are critical players regulating maternal immune tolerance to the embedded embryo. Recently, the role of galectins in angiogenesis during decidualization and in placenta formation has gained attention. Altered expression of galectins is associated with abnormal pregnancies and infertility. This review focuses on the role of galectins in pregnancy-associated processes and discusses the relevance of galectin-glycan interactions as potential therapeutic targets in pregnancy disorders.
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