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The universe of galectin-binding partners and their functions in health and disease

María F Troncoso1, María T Elola1, Ada G Blidner2

  • 1Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB) Prof Alejandro C. Paladini, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|October 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Galectins are proteins crucial for many bodily functions. Their dysregulation is linked to diseases like cancer and inflammation, highlighting their therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Galectins are conserved glycan-binding proteins involved in vital biological processes.
  • Aberrant galectin expression is implicated in various pathologies, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the diverse galectin-binding partners and their roles in physiological and pathological conditions.
  • To understand the molecular mechanisms of galectin-ligand interactions for therapeutic development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on galectin biology and interactions.
  • Analysis of galectin roles in different cell types and disease contexts.

Main Results:

  • Galectins interact with multiple partners, influencing processes like tissue repair, immune response, and disease progression.
  • Dysregulation of galectins contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding galectin-ligand interactions, including glycan-dependency and signaling, is key to developing targeted therapies.
  • Galectins represent promising targets for monitoring and treating a spectrum of diseases.
Keywords:
angiogenesisgalectinsglycoproteinsglycosylationimmunityreceptorstumorigenesis

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