Galectin-3 is a galactose-binding lectin, which modulates intercellular interactions and interactions of the cell with ECM, as well as it is a nuclear protein and a component of inner mitochondrial membrane. Galectin-3 binds IgE, and takes part in formation of immunological synapse. It is detected cytoplasmatically in adenomas and carcinomas by immunohistochemistry. It is expressed in colonic and intestinal epithelium, papillary and follicular carcinomas, neoplastic astrocytes, inflammatory macrophages, and some lymphocytes. Upregulation of galectin-3 is involved in cancer progression and metastasis.
