Recombinant Human Galectin-7/LGALS7 Protein

The Galectin family of proteins; with specificity for Nacetyllactosamine containing glycoproteins; consists of beta-galactoside binding lectins containing homologous carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs).They also possess hemagglutination activity; which is attributable to their bivalent carbohydrate binding properties. Galectins are active both intracellularly and extracellularly. Although they are localized primarily in the cytoplasm and lack a classical signal peptide; they can be secreted by one or more as yet unidentified non-classical secretory pathways. They have diverse effects on many cellular functions including adhesion; migration; polarity; chemotaxis; proliferation; apoptosis; and differentiation. Galectins may play a key role in many pathological states; including autoimmune diseases; allergic reactions; inflammation; tumor cell metastasis; atherosclerosis; and diabetic complications.