Galectin-3 Determines Tumor Cell Adaptive Strategies in Stressed Tumor Microenvironments

摘要: Galectin-3 is a member of the b-galactoside binding lectin family, whose expression often dysregulated in cancers. While galectin-3 usually an intracellular protein, found nucleus and cytoplasm; under certain conditions, can be secreted by yet unknown mechanism. Under stressing conditions (hypoxia nutrient deprivation, e.g.) upregulated, through activity transcription factors such as HIF-1a NF-kB. Here we review evidence that indicates positive role for MAPK family signal transduction, leading to cell proliferation survival. serves scaffold which favors spatial organization signaling proteins K-RAS. Upon secretion, extracellular interacts with variety surface glycoproteins, growth factor receptors, integrins, cadherins members Notch among other besides different matrix molecules. Through its ability oligomerize, forms lattices act scaffolds sustain receptors on surface, dictating maintenance plasma membrane or their endocytosis. induces tumor cell, endothelial leukocyte migration, favoring either exit cells from stressed microenvironment entry leukocytes, monocyte/macrophages into organoid. Therefore, plays homeostatic roles tumors, effects elements immune system, (i) it adaptation survival conditions; (ii) upon detachment migration; (iii) attracts monocytes/macrophages mass, inducing both directly indirectly process angiogenesis. These activities are potentially targetable specific interventions may designed counteract protumoral galectin-3.