Dissecting the signal transduction pathways triggered by galectin-glycan interactions in physiological and pathological settings.
Galectins are a family of evolutionarily conserved animal lectins with pleiotropic functions and widespread distribution. Fifteen members have been identified in a wide variety of cells and tissues. Through recognition of cell surface glycoproteins and glycolipids, these endogenous lectins can trigger a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways capable of modulating cell differentiation, proliferation, survival, and migration. These cellular events are critical in a variety of biological processes including embryogenesis, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and immunity and are substantially altered during tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration, and inflammation. In addition, galectins can modulate intracellular functions and this effect involves direct interactions with distinct signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss current knowledge on the intracellular signaling pathways triggered by this multifunctional family of beta-galactoside-binding proteins in selected physiological and pathological settings. Understanding the "galectin signalosome" will be essential to delineate rational therapeutic strategies based on the specific control of galectin expression and function.
Laderach
Diego J
DJ
Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428, Argentina. diegoladerach@qb.fcen.uba.ar
Compagno
Daniel
D
Toscano
Marta A
MA
Croci
Diego O
DO
Dergan-Dylon
Sebastián
S
Salatino
Mariana
M
Rabinovich
Gabriel A
GA
D000818:Animals; D037161:Galectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D037161:Galectins; D011134:Polysaccharides