LGALS3

GeneName

LGALS3

Summary

LGALS3, also known as Gal-3, is a 26kDa member of the galectin family of proteins, which are characterised by their ability to bind carbohydrates. It is expressed in various tissues and is found in multiple cellular compartments including the cytoplasm, nucleus, and extracellular space. LGALS3 plays a role in cell adhesion and migration through its interactions with glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surface. It is involved in several biological processes such as eosinophil and macrophage chemotaxis, and it also regulates immune responses by modulating T cell activation and apoptosis. Additionally, LGALS3 is implicated in mRNA processing and protein localization, highlighting its diverse functional repertoire in cellular signalling and immune regulation.

Importance

LGALS3 is relevant to: - Immune response modulation, particularly in the context of T cell activation and apoptosis, which has implications for autoimmune diseases and cancer immunotherapy - Eosinophilic disorders and allergic responses due to its role in eosinophil chemotaxis - Cancer progression and metastasis, as it influences cell adhesion and migration - Fibrosis and tissue remodelling, given its involvement in extracellular matrix interactions and regulation of cellular processes

Top Products

For researchers investigating LGALS3, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies. The first is the well-cited Anti-Galectin 3 antibody [A3A12] (ab2785), a trusted choice with 90 citations, demonstrating its reliability in Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunocytochemistry (ICC). Additionally, we offer the recombinant antibody Anti-Galectin 3 antibody [EP2775Y] (ab76245), which has been validated in knockout models and is suitable for a broader range of applications, including WB, IHC, ICC, and flow cytometry (FC). With 55 citations, this recombinant antibody provides the batch-to-batch consistency that many researchers seek, making it an excellent option for those studying LGALS3. The Human Galectin-3 ELISA Kit (LGALS3) (ab269555), supported by 7 citations, is an excellent option for researchers looking to accurately measure Galectin-3 levels in their samples.

Abcam Product Citation Summary

The data indicates that LGALS3 is being studied in various contexts, particularly in relation to cell migration and osteogenic differentiation in human and rat models. The use of both Western blotting and immunohistochemistry suggests a focus on protein expression and localisation in different tissues, including spinal cord and parathyroid tissues.

Abcam Product Citation Table

Function

Galactose-specific lectin which binds IgE. May mediate with the alpha-3, beta-1 integrin the stimulation by CSPG4 of endothelial cells migration. Together with DMBT1, required for terminal differentiation of columnar epithelial cells during early embryogenesis (By similarity). In the nucleus: acts as a pre-mRNA splicing factor. Involved in acute inflammatory responses including neutrophil activation and adhesion, chemoattraction of monocytes macrophages, opsonization of apoptotic neutrophils, and activation of mast cells. Together with TRIM16, coordinates the recognition of membrane damage with mobilization of the core autophagy regulators ATG16L1 and BECN1 in response to damaged endomembranes.

Tissue Specificity

A major expression is found in the colonic epithelium. It is also abundant in the activated macrophages. Expressed in fetal membranes.

Cellular localization

• Cytoplasm
• Nucleus
• Secreted
• Secreted by a non-classical secretory pathway and associates with the cell surface. Can be secreted; the secretion is dependent on protein unfolding and facilitated by the cargo receptor TMED10; it results in protein translocation from the cytoplasm into the ERGIC (endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment) followed by vesicle entry and secretion (PubMed:32272059).

Alternative names

MAC2, LGALS3, Galectin-3, Gal-3, 35 kDa lectin, Carbohydrate-binding protein 35, Galactose-specific lectin 3, Galactoside-binding protein, IgE-binding protein, L-31, Laminin-binding protein, Lectin L-29, Mac-2 antigen, CBP 35, GALBP

Database links

swissprot:P17931 entrezGene:3958 omim:153619

Other research areas

• Immunology & Infectious Disease