Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is one of the lectin family members, which is the only chimera-type galectin, containing one carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) connected to a long, flexible N-terminal domain. The C-terminal CRD is responsible for beta-galactoside binding, and the N-terminal domain is essential for its multimerization, and interaction with other intracellular proteins. Galectin-3 is predominantly presented in the cytoplasm and expressed on the cell surface, and then often secreted into biological fluids, such as serum and urine. Numerous studies have indicated that galectin-3 plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, gene expression, immune surveillance, inflammation, fibrosis, and host defense.
