The Role of Galectins as Modulators of Metabolism and Inflammation

Abstract EN

Galectins are β-galcotosid-binding lectins.

The function of galectins varies with their tissue-specific and subcellular location, and their binding to carbohydrates makes them key players in several intra- and extracellular processes where they bind to glycosylated proteins and lipids.

In humans, there are 12 identified galectins, some with tissue-specific distribution.

Galectins are found inside cells and in the nucleus, cytosol, and organelles, as well as extracellularly.

Galectin-1, -2, -3, -4, -7, -8, -9, and -12 can all induce T-cell apoptosis and modulate inflammation.

In the context of metabolic control and loss of the same in, for example, diabetes, galectin-1, -2, -3, -9, and -12 are especially interesting.

This review presents information on galectins relevant to the control of inflammation and metabolism and the potential to target galectins for therapeutic purposes.