title: Galectin-3 as a regulator of the epithelial junction: Implications to wound repair and cancer.
abstract: Epithelial cells are closely connected to each other and to the extracellular matrix by a set of adhesive contacts that provide tissues with unique barrier properties and play a prominent role in cell morphology, tissue physiology, and cell signaling. This review highlights advances made in understanding the contributions of galectin-3, a carbohydrate-binding protein with affinity toward β-galactosides, as a modulator of epithelial junction assembly and function. The interactions of galectin-3 within adhesive structures are discussed in relation to wound healing and tumor progression.
authors.affiliation: Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology ; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA USA.
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Argüeso
authors.affiliation: Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology ; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA USA.
authors.forename: Jerome
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mauris
authors.affiliation: Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Department of Ophthalmology ; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA USA.
authors.forename: Yuichi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Uchino
keywords: cancer; epithelial junction; galectin-3; matrix metalloproteinases; wound healing