Expression, localization and function of galectin-8, a tandem-repeat lectin, in human tumors.
Galectin-8 (Gal-8) is a 'tandem-repeat'-type galectin, which possesses two carbohydrate recognition domains connected by a linker peptide. Gal-8 complexity is related to the alternative splicing of its mRNA precursor, which is known to generate isoforms. Regarding its carbohydrate-binding specificity, Gal-8 has a unique feature among galectins, since its C-terminal domain has higher affinity for N-glycan-type branched oligosaccharides, while its N-terminal domain shows strong affinity for α2-3-sialylated or 3'-sulfated β-galactosides. We integrate here the available information on Gal-8 expression in different tumor types and attempt to elucidate associations of its expression and localization with tumor progression with the overarching goal of analyzing its potential applications in diagnosis and prognosis. Differential diagnosis is still a prime concern in tumor pathology, and Gal-8 could be of great value in some types of primary or secondary tumors (i.e. papillary thyroid carcinoma, advanced colon carcinoma from patients with distant metastases, or metastases from primary lung carcinoma). The prognostic value of Gal-8 has been described for laryngeal carcinoma as well as advanced colon carcinoma. Further studies are needed to explain the relevance of Gal-8 and its isoforms in tumor pathology and their different intra- or extracellular roles (cytoplasmic, nuclear or extracellular) in tumor biology.
Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IQUIFIB), UBA-CONICET, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry. University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. mt_elola@yahoo.com.
María T
MT
Elola
Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IQUIFIB), UBA-CONICET, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry. University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fátima
F
Ferragut
Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IQUIFIB), UBA-CONICET, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry. University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Víctor M
VM
Cárdenas Delgado
Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IQUIFIB), UBA-CONICET, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry. University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Lorena G
LG
Nugnes
Laboratory of Functional Glycomics, IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Exact and Natural Sciences. University of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Lucas
L
Gentilini
Laboratory of Functional Glycomics, IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Exact and Natural Sciences. University of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Diego
D
Laderach
Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IQUIFIB), UBA-CONICET, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry. University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
María F
MF
Troncoso
Laboratory of Functional Glycomics, IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Exact and Natural Sciences. University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Daniel
D
Compagno
Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IQUIFIB), UBA-CONICET, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry. University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Carlota
C
Wolfenstein-Todel
Laboratory of Functional Glycomics, IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Exact and Natural Sciences. University of Buenos Aires, and Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Gabriel A
GA
Rabinovich
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D037161:Galectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D037161:Galectins; C091991:LGALS8 protein, human