描述:
The galectins constitute a large family of carbohydratebinding proteins with specificity
for N-acetyllactosaminecontaining glycoproteins. At least 14 mammalian galectins,
which share structural similarities in their carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD),
have been identified to date. The galectins have been classified into the prototype
galectins,which contain one CRD and exist either as a monomer or a noncovalent
homodimer; the chimera galectins (galectin-3) containing one CRD linked to a nonlectin
domain; and the tandemrepeat galectinsconsisting of two CRDs joined by a linker peptide.
Galectins lack a classical signal peptide and can be localized to the cytosolic compartments
where they have intracellular functions. However, via one or more as yet unidentified
nonclassical secretory pathways, galectins can also be secreted to function extracellularly.
Individual members of the galectin family have different tissue distribution profiles and
exhibit subtle differences in their carbohydratebinding specificities. Each family member
may preferentially bind to a unique subset of cellsurface glycoproteins. Galectin-2 is a
monomeric or homodimeric prototype galectin that is expressed in hepatoma, stomach
epithelial cells and in colorectal and neural tumors. The functions of Galectin2 has not been reported. Human and mouse Galectin2 share
approximately 65% amino acid sequence similarity.
原厂资料:
The galectins constitute a large family of carbohydratebinding proteins with specificity
for N-acetyllactosaminecontaining glycoproteins. At least 14 mammalian galectins,
which share structural similarities in their carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD),
have been identified to date. The galectins have been classified into the prototype
galectins,which contain one CRD and exist either as a monomer or a noncovalent
homodimer; the chimera galectins (galectin-3) containing one CRD linked to a nonlectin
domain; and the tandemrepeat galectinsconsisting of two CRDs joined by a linker peptide.
Galectins lack a classical signal peptide and can be localized to the cytosolic compartments
where they have intracellular functions. However, via one or more as yet unidentified
nonclassical secretory pathways, galectins can also be secreted to function extracellularly.
Individual members of the galectin family have different tissue distribution profiles and
exhibit subtle differences in their carbohydratebinding specificities. Each family member
may preferentially bind to a unique subset of cellsurface glycoproteins. Galectin-2 is a
monomeric or homodimeric prototype galectin that is expressed in hepatoma, stomach
epithelial cells and in colorectal and neural tumors. The functions of Galectin2 has not been reported. Human and mouse Galectin2 share
approximately 65% amino acid sequence similarity.