Galectins and Disease Implications for Targeted Therapeutics

Galectins are a class of carbohydrate-binding proteins characterized by the presence of b-galactoside-binding sites. They are also referred to as S-type lectins. These molecules are involved in many physiological and biological functions of the body such as inflammation, immune responses, cell migration, autophagy, RNA splicing, gene transcription, apoptosis, signaling and differentiation. Galectins have also been linked to diseases such as fibrosis, cancer and heart disease. Galectin-3 plays a considerable role in cancer progression and the processes associated with tumorigenesis such as transformation to a malignant form, metastasis, and increased invasive properties of tumor cells. It has also been researched as a potential biomarker of rheumatic diseases. Galectins have a unique mechanism to intracellularly as well as extracellularly regulate cell death. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about the role of galectins in disease. It includes contributions of experts and scientists, which will provide innovative insights into this area of study. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.