Heart Box instal the last version for mac

They are also secreted to the outer plasma membrane and the extracellular matrix (ECM), and are present in the circulation. Galectins are synthesized in the cytoplasm and function in both nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. Two characteristic properties distinguish them from other animal-lectins: affinity for ß-galactoside derivatives and consensus amino-acid sequences 3, 4. Galectins belong to the family of animal-lectins and are a group of water soluble, non-glycosylated globular proteins that can interact with carbohydrates in a divalent cation-independent manner 2. Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins found in plants and animals that are specific for sugar moieties, and were initially defined as “sugar-binding proteins of non-immune origin that have the ability to agglutinate cells and precipitate glycoconjugates” 1. We therefore summarize (recent) literature in this area and describe galectin-3 from a binding perspective providing novel insights into mechanisms by which galectin-3 is known to be “activated” and how such activation may be regulated in pathophysiological scenarios. Self-interactions of this protein appear to play a crucial role in regulating the extracellular activities of this protein, however there is limited and controversial data on the mechanisms involved. Monomeric (extracellular) galectin-3 usually undergoes further “activation” which significantly broadens the spectrum of biological activity mainly by modifying its carbohydrate-binding properties. Galectin-3 overexpression and secretion is associated with several diseases and is extensively studied in the context of fibrosis, heart failure, atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Galectin-3 is differentially expressed depending on the tissue type, however its expression can be induced under conditions of tissue injury or stress.

In the last decade, considerable interest in galectin-3 has emerged because of its potential role as a biotarget. Galectin-3 is a versatile protein orchestrating several physiological and pathophysiological processes in the human body.

Heart Box instal the last version for mac