The Role of Galectin-3 in the Kidneys

• Published in: International Journal of Molecular Sciences Vol. 17; no. 4; p. 565
• Main Authors: Chen, Szu-Chia, Kuo, Po-Lin
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 14.04.2016; MDPI
• Subjects: Animals; Binding sites; clinical renal disease; Galectin 3 - analysis; Galectin 3 - blood; Galectin 3 - metabolism; galectin-3; Glycation End Products, Advanced - metabolism; Humans; kidney; Kidney - metabolism; Kidney - pathology; Kidney diseases; Kidney Diseases - blood; Kidney Diseases - metabolism; Kidney Diseases - pathology; Kidney Diseases - therapy; Kidney Transplantation; Lectins; nephrogenesis; Review; nephrogenesis; kidney; clinical renal disease; galectin-3
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040565

Galectin-3 is a 32- to 35-kDa member of the galectin family of b-galactoside-binding lectins, which is characterized by a carbohydrate recognition domain. Through its carbohydrate-binding function, it regulates cell growth, differentiation, and inflammation. It also plays a complex, context-dependent role in the kidneys. During development, it promotes nephrogenesis and is strongly expressed in the ureteric bud and its derivatives. An increase in the concentration of galectin-3 has been reported to be associated with fibrosis of the kidneys. Elevated levels of plasma galectin-3 are also associated with increased risks of rapid renal function decline, incident chronic kidney disease, and progressive renal impairment, and also with cardiovascular end points, infection, and all-cause mortality in patients with renal function impairment. This review discusses a general survey on galectin-3 expressions in nephrogenesis, kidney injury animal models, clinical renal diseases, renal transplantation and the potential role of galectin-3 for treatment in kidney disease.