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Galectin-3 and signaling pathways

Galectin-3, a β -galactoside binding lectin, is spread among different types of tissues and cells found intracellularly in nucleus and cytoplasm or secreted via non-classical pathway outside of cell, thus being found on the cell surface or in the extracellular space. Through specific interactions with a variety of intra- and extracellular proteins galectin-3 affects numerous biological processes. Of special interest is its involvement in modulation of innate and adaptive immune response by participation in e. g. neutrophil adhesion to laminin and endothelial cells, stimulation of oxidative burst in neutrophils and macrophages and promotion of leukocyte recruitment. Galectin-3 expression is influenced by various stimuli but the precise regulatory mechanisms are not yet elucidated. The aim of this study was to ascertain the level of galectin-3 expression in resting and activated monocytic cells and investigate the involvement of JNK, p38 and ERK signaling pathways in the regulation of galectin-3 expression. Additionally, the influence of exogenously added recombinant galectin-3 on transcriptional level of galectin-3 gene ("autocrine effect") and on the activation of aforementioned pathways was studied. Our data revealed a part of the regulatory mechanisms of galectin-3 expression as well as mechanisms of its action contributing to the better understanding of physiological role of that lectin in the immune cells physiology.

galectin-3; signaling pathways

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