Galectin-3: A Cancer Marker with Therapeutic Applications

摘要: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a pleiotropic carbohydrate-binding protein involved in variety of normal and pathological biological processes. Its properties constitute the basis for cell-cell cell-matrix interactions ( Chap. 12) cancer progression. Gal-3 known to be expressed various neoplasms including thyroid tumors. widely spread among different types cells tissues, found intracellularly nucleus cytoplasm or secreted via non-classical pathway outside cell, thus being on cell surface extracellular space. RNA processing cycle regulation through activation transcription factors when translocated nucleus. affects numerous processes seems physiological pathophysiological conditions. Most members galectin family galectin-1 possess apoptotic activities, whereas possesses anti-apoptotic activity (Dumic et al. 2006). Studies lead recognition as diagnostic/prognostic marker specific types, such prostate (Califice 2004b). Though immune system recognizes diverse antigens, tumors can evade response, therefore growing progressing. However, there strong evidence indicating that galectins function human tumor microenvironment complex process influenced by circumstances.