title: Galectin-3: differential expression between small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the histological expression of galectin-3 in different lung cancers, including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Galectin-3 is a beta-galactoside binding protein with a controversial role in malignant transformation. SCLC metastasizes early and is initially chemosensitive; NSCLC metastasizes later, offering the chance of surgical cure, but is much less chemosensitive. Mixed tumours present a diagnostic and therapeutic problem, with a poorer response to therapy. Insight into the cellular mechanisms that govern metastasis and chemoresistance will profoundly influence the future management of this disease.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this study the histological expression of galectin-3 was assessed in a panel of lung tumour specimens, using the indirect streptavidin-biotin method. A striking difference in galectin-3 expression was observed between tumours, with high expression in NSCLC (42/47 samples) and low expression in SCLC (negative in 13/18, weak in 5/18).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This differential expression of galectin-3 between histological types of lung carcinoma suggests that galectin-3 may have an important influence on tumour cell adhesion, apoptosis and the response of tumours to chemotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pathology, School of Sciences and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buttery
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Monaghan
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Salter
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sethi
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D037502:Galectin 3 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D037502:Galectin 3