engleski

Investigating effects of immunomodulatory drugs on galectin-3

Galectin-3, a 29-32 kDa lectin that specifically binds to b-galactose on glycoproteins, has been implicated in process of adhesion, in regulation of cell growth, maturation of pre-mRNA, and in apoptosis. However, its precise physiological role is still unknown. Changes in galectin-3 level were found during embriogenesis, activation of immune cells and neoplastic transformation. Binding sequences for many transcription factors were found in promotor region of LGALS-3 (i.e. galectin-3 gene). Recent studies showed that various stimuli affect galectin-3 expression and that the involvement of particular transcription factor in galectin-3 regulation depends on the type of the stimuli. So far, the effects of immunomodulatory drugs on protein glycosylation and/or regulation and expression of lectins have not been studied. Some immunomodulatory drugs activate or inhibit transcription factors that, among others, bind to the promoter regions of LGALS-3. Therefore, the aim of our study in progress is to determine the effects of steroid (hydrocortisone and dexamethasone) as well as non-steroid immunomodulatory drugs (acetylsalicylic acid and indomethacin) on expression of LGALS-3, subcellular distribution, expression and phosphorylation of galectin-3, as well as expression and glycosylation of integrin CD11b/CD18, a galectin-3 ligand. The results of these studies would contribute to the better understanding of physiological role of galectin-3 and expand the knowledge about the mechanisms of action of immunomodulatory drugs needed for development of new therapeutical procedures.

galectin-3; immunomodulatory drugs

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