Galectin-7.
Galectins are a family of animal lectins with an affinity for beta-galactosides. They are differentially expressed by various tissues and appear to be functionally multivalent, exerting a wide range of biological activities both during development and in adult tissue. Galectin-7, a member of this family, contributes to different events associated with the differentiation and development of pluristratified epithelia. It is also associated with epithelial cell migration, which plays a crucial role in the re-epithelialization process of corneal or epidermal wounds. In addition, recent evidence indicates that galectin-7, designated as the product of the p53-induced gene 1 (PIG1), is a regulator of apoptosis through JNK activation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release. Defects in apoptosis constitute one of the major hallmarks of human cancers, and galectin-7 can act as either a positive or a negative regulatory factor in tumour development, depending on the histological type of the tumour.
Saussez
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Laboratory of Histology, and Laboratory of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons-Hainaut, UMH, Mons, Belgium.
Kiss
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D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D017209:Apoptosis; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D037161:Galectins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D037161:Galectins; C092525:LGALS7 protein, human