The LGALS3 antibody targets galectin-3. a protein encoded by the LGALS3 gene, which belongs to the galectin family of β-galactoside-binding lectins. Galectin-3 is a multifunctional protein involved in cell-cell adhesion, cell-matrix interactions, immune regulation, apoptosis, and intracellular signaling. Structurally, it contains a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) that mediates binding to glycoproteins and glycolipids, and a unique N-terminal domain enabling oligomerization, critical for its role in modulating cellular processes.
LGALS3 antibodies are widely used in research to study galectin-3's expression and function in pathological conditions. Elevated galectin-3 levels are associated with cancer progression, fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases, making it a biomarker and potential therapeutic target. In cancer, galectin-3 promotes tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis, while in fibrosis, it drives tissue remodeling.
Antibodies against LGALS3 enable detection via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, or ELISA, aiding in diagnostic and prognostic assessments. For instance, they help differentiate benign and malignant thyroid nodules or assess heart failure severity. Therapeutic LGALS3-blocking antibodies or inhibitors are under investigation to disrupt galectin-3-mediated pathways in diseases. However, its dual roles (pro- or anti-inflammatory depending on context) and tissue-specific expression pose challenges, necessitating precise targeting strategies. Overall, LGALS3 antibodies remain vital tools for unraveling galectin-3's complexity in health and disease.