[HTML][HTML] The role of galectin-1 in cancer progression, and synthetic multivalent systems for the study of galectin-1

JM Cousin, MJ Cloninger - International journal of molecular sciences, 2016 - mdpi.com
JM Cousin, MJ Cloninger
International journal of molecular sciences, 2016mdpi.com
This review discusses the role of galectin-1 in the tumor microenvironment. First, the
structure and function of galectin-1 are discussed. Galectin-1, a member of the galectin
family of lectins, is a functionally dimeric galactoside-binding protein. Although galectin-1
has both intracellular and extracellular functions, the defining carbohydrate-binding role
occurs extracellularly. In this review, the extracellular roles of galectin-1 in cancer processes
are discussed. In particular, the importance of multivalent interactions in galectin-1 mediated …
This review discusses the role of galectin-1 in the tumor microenvironment. First, the structure and function of galectin-1 are discussed. Galectin-1, a member of the galectin family of lectins, is a functionally dimeric galactoside-binding protein. Although galectin-1 has both intracellular and extracellular functions, the defining carbohydrate-binding role occurs extracellularly. In this review, the extracellular roles of galectin-1 in cancer processes are discussed. In particular, the importance of multivalent interactions in galectin-1 mediated cellular processes is reviewed. Multivalent interactions involving galectin-1 in cellular adhesion, mobility and invasion, tumor-induced angiogenesis, and apoptosis are presented. Although the mechanisms of action of galectin-1 in these processes are still not well understood, the overexpression of galectin-1 in cancer progression indicates that the role of galectin-1 is significant. To conclude this review, synthetic frameworks that have been used to modulate galectin-1 processes are reviewed. Small molecule oligomers of carbohydrates, carbohydrate-functionalized pseudopolyrotaxanes, cyclodextrins, calixarenes, and glycodendrimers are presented. These synthetic multivalent systems serve as important tools for studying galectin-1 mediated cancer cellular functions.
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