Expression, Regulation, and Functions of the Galectin-16 Gene in Human Cells and Tissues

Abstract

Galectins comprise a family of soluble β-galactoside-binding proteins, which regulate a variety of key biological processes including cell growth, differentiation, survival, and death. This paper aims to address the current knowledge on the unique properties, regulation, and expression of the galectin-16 gene (LGALS16) in human cells and tissues. To date, there are limited studies on this galectin, with most focusing on its tissue specificity to the placenta. Here, we report the expression and 8-Br-cAMP-induced upregulation of LGALS16 in two placental cell lines (BeWo and JEG-3) in the context of trophoblastic differentiation. In addition, we provide the results of a bioinformatics search for LGALS16 using datasets available at GEO, Human Protein Atlas, and prediction tools for relevant transcription factors and miRNAs. Our findings indicate that LGALS16 is detected by microarrays in diverse human cells/tissues and alters expression in association with cancer, diabetes, and brain diseases. Molecular mechanisms of the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of LGALS16 are also discussed based on the available bioinformatics resources.

Glycocalix[4]arenes and their affinity to a library of galectins: the linker matters

“…Galectins (Gal-) are a class of soluble animal lectins that bind β-galactosides. The human genome contains genes of twelve galectins (Gal-1, -2, -3, -4, -7, -8, -9, -10, -12, -13, -14, and -16) 1,2 that can be divided into three groups based on their structure prototype (e.g., homodimeric Gal-1), tandem-repeat (e.g., bivalent -8, and -9) and chimeric (Gal-3). 3 Galectins are involved in vital biological processes such as the regulation of apoptosis, of the immune response 4 or the cell cycle, and pre-mRNA splicing.…”

“…Galectins (Gal-) are a class of soluble animal lectins that bind β-galactosides. The human genome contains genes of twelve galectins (Gal-1, -2, -3, -4, -7, -8, -9, -10, -12, -13, -14, and -16) 1,2 that can be divided into three groups based on their structure – prototype ( e.g. , homodimeric Gal-1), tandem-repeat ( e.g.…”

The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of Galectin-3 in Cardiovascular Diseases

“…Galectins are a family of glycan-binding proteins, which were named and classified in 1994 considering their affinity for β-galactosides and significant sequence similarity in the carbohydrate-binding domains (CRDs) [ 1 , 2 ]. To date, 16 protein-coding galectin genes have been identified including 12 members in human tissues encoding galectins 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 16 [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Galectins 5 and 6 are present in rodents, while galectins 11 and 15 are found in sheep and goats [ 2 ].…”

Galectin Family Members: Emerging Novel Targets for Lymphoma Therapy?

“…They have one or two carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) and high affinity for β-galactosides ( 5 ). To date, 16 members of the galectin family have been discovered and classified into three types: “proto-type“ galectins (including galectin-1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15,16) ( 6 ), “tandem-repeat” galectins (including galectin-4, 6, 8, 9, 12), and “chimera -type” galectin, galectin-3 ( 5 ). Galectins are widely expressed in various cells and recognize glycoconjugates containing β-galactosides on the cell surface, extracellular matrix, and intracellular vesicle cavities ( 4 ).…”