Bassen R, Brichory F, Caulet-Maugendre S, Delaval P, Dazord L
Service de pneumologie, CHR Pontchaillou, 35033 Rennes.
Bull Cancer. 2000 Oct;87(10):703-7.
Galectins are proteins structurally related to the lectin family. They share, with lectins, the ability to bind carbohydrate residues. Galectins are suspected to mediate several biological functions such as embryonic development growth, immune response and apoptosis. Their role is similar to that of adhesion molecules in cell to cell or to matrix interactions. Their contribution to human carcinogenesis has been suggested from experimental studies. In clinical research, they could be used as a differentiation marker, particularly in thyroid carcinomas and in certain lymphomas.
半乳糖凝集素是在结构上与凝集素家族相关的蛋白质。它们与凝集素一样，具有结合碳水化合物残基的能力。据推测，半乳糖凝集素可介导多种生物学功能，如胚胎发育生长、免疫反应和细胞凋亡。它们在细胞与细胞或细胞与基质相互作用中的作用类似于黏附分子。实验研究表明了它们在人类致癌过程中的作用。在临床研究中，它们可用作分化标志物，尤其是在甲状腺癌和某些淋巴瘤中。
