title: Functions of cell surface galectin-glycoprotein lattices.
abstract: Programmed remodeling of cell surface glycans by the sequential action of specific glycosyltransferases can control biological processes by generating or masking ligands for endogenous lectins. Galectins, a family of animal lectins with affinity for beta-galactosides, can form multivalent complexes with cell surface glycoconjugates and deliver a variety of intracellular signals to modulate cell activation, differentiation, and survival. Recent efforts involving genetic or biochemical manipulation of O-glycosylation and N-glycosylation pathways, as well as blockade of the synthesis of endogenous galectins, have illuminated essential roles for galectin-glycoprotein lattices in the control of biological processes including receptor turnover and endocytosis, host-pathogen interactions, and immune cell activation and homeostasis.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental IBYME, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina. gabyrabi@ciudad.com.ar
authors.forename: Gabriel A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Rabinovich
authors.forename: Marta A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Toscano
authors.forename: Shawn S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Gerardo R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Vasta
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology; D037161:Galectins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology; D008958:Models, Molecular; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D037161:Galectins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D046912:Multiprotein Complexes