Galectin-3 (LEG3) Active Protein

This gene encodes a member of the galectin family of carbohydrate binding proteins. Members of this protein family have an affinity for beta-galactosides. The encoded protein is characterized by an N-terminal proline-rich tandem repeat domain and a single C-terminal carbohydrate recognition domain. This protein can self-associate through the N-terminal domain allowing it to bind to multivalent saccharide ligands. This protein localizes to the extracellular matrix, the cytoplasm and the nucleus. This protein plays a role in numerous cellular functions including apoptosis, innate immunity, cell adhesion and T-cell regulation. The protein exhibits antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants.[provided by RefSeq, Oct 2014]

Galectin-3: galactose-specific lectin which binds IgE. Expressed at a high level in the colonic epithelium. Also abundant in activated macrophages.

Protein type: Extracellular matrix; Cell surface; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 14q22.3

Cellular Component: spliceosome; extracellular matrix; proteinaceous extracellular matrix; extracellular space; membrane; cytoplasm; mitochondrial inner membrane; plasma membrane; immunological synapse; nucleus; external side of plasma membrane

Molecular Function: protein binding; laminin binding; IgE binding; carbohydrate binding; chemoattractant activity

Biological Process: neutrophil chemotaxis; extracellular matrix organization and biogenesis; negative regulation of endocytosis; RNA splicing; regulation of T cell proliferation; negative regulation of T cell receptor signaling pathway; macrophage chemotaxis; monocyte chemotaxis; epithelial cell differentiation; positive chemotaxis; eosinophil chemotaxis; innate immune response; mRNA processing; skeletal development