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Updated: May 31, 2025

The Murine Choline-Deficient, Ethionine-Supplemented CDE Diet Model of Chronic Liver Injury
Published on: October 21, 2017
Galectins and Liver Diseases
Shima Mimura1, Asahiro Morishita1, Kyoko Oura1
1Departments of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun, Takamatsu 761-0793, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
Abstract:
Galectins are widely distributed throughout the animal kingdom, from marine sponges to mammals. Galectins are a family of soluble lectins that specifically recognize β-galactoside-containing glycans and are categorized into three subgroups based on the number and function of their carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs). The interaction of galectins with specific ligands mediates a wide range of biological activities, depending on the cell type, tissue context, expression levels of individual galectin, and receptor involvement. Galectins affect various immune cell processes through both intracellular and extracellular mechanisms and play roles in processes, such as apoptosis, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. Their importance has increased in recent years because they are recognized as biomarkers, therapeutic agents, and drug targets, with many other applications in conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, little is known about the involvement of galectins in liver diseases. Here, we review the functions of various galectins and evaluate their roles in liver diseases.
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