Galectins

Galectins (also known as galaptins or S-lectin) are a family of lectins which bind beta-galactoside. The family is defined by having at least one characteristic carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) with an affinity for beta-galactosides and sharing certain sequence elements. Galectins are active both intracellularly and extracellularly. Although they are localized primarily in the cytoplasm and lack a classical signal peptide, galectins can also be secreted by one or more unidentified, non-classical, secretory pathways. They have diverse effects on many cellular functions including adhesion, migration, polarity, chemotaxis, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Galectins may therefore play a key role in many pathological states, including autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, inflammation, tumor cell metastasis, atherosclerosis, and diabetic complications.