This gene encodes a member of the galectin family. Galectins are beta-galactoside-binding animal lectins with conserved carbohydrate recognition domains. The galectins have been implicated in many essential functions including development, differentiation, cell-cell adhesion, cell-matrix interaction, growth regulation, apoptosis, and RNA splicing. This gene is widely expressed in tumoral tissues and seems to be involved in integrin-like cell interactions. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],domain:Contains two homologous but distinct carbohydrate-binding domains.,online information:Galectin-8 C-terminal CRD,online information:Galectin-8 long isoform,similarity:Contains 2 galectin domains.,tissue specificity:Ubiquitous. Selective expression by prostate carcinomas versus normal prostate and benign prostatic hypertrophy.,
