LGALS3 (Galectin 3) is a Protein Coding gene. This gene encodes a member of the galectin family of carbohydrate-binding proteins. The encoded protein is characterized by an N-terminal proline-rich tandem repeat domain and a single C-terminal carbohydrate recognition domain. LGALS3 is a beta-galactoside-binding lectin and plays a role in numerous cellular functions including apoptosis, innate immunity, cell adhesion, and T-cell regulation. LGALS3 has an important role in tumor progression through inhibition of apoptosis. LGALS3 expression is associated with neoplastic transformation and with differentiation of monocytes to macrophages. Elevated expression of LGALS3 has been demonstrated in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Diseases associated with LGALS3 include Follicular Adenoma and Papillary Carcinoma.
