title: Galectin-3 as a Potential Target to Prevent Cancer Metastasis.
abstract: Interactions between two cells or between cell and extracellular matrix mediated by protein-carbohydrate interactions play pivotal roles in modulating various biological processes such as growth regulation, immune function, cancer metastasis, and apoptosis. Galectin-3, a member of the β-galactoside-binding lectin family, is involved in fibrosis as well as cancer progression and metastasis, but the detailed mechanisms of its functions remain elusive. This review discusses its structure, carbohydrate-binding properties, and involvement in various aspects of tumorigenesis and some potential carbohydrate ligands that are currently investigated to block galectin-3 activity.
authors.affiliation: President and Chief Scientific Officer, GlycoMantra, Inc., Aldie, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Hafiz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology and Cytology, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
authors.forename: Dina M M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: AlSadek
keywords: TF disaccharide; angiogenesis; apoptosis; galectin-3; tumorigenesis