Galectin-2 (LGALS2)

Galectin-2 is a proto-type member of the galectin family, encoded by the **LGALS2** gene on human chromosome 22. It is a soluble beta-galactoside-binding lectin that predominantly exists as a homodimer and is mainly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, placenta, and cardiovascular tissues. Galectin-2 is involved in maintaining epithelial barrier integrity, regulating immune responses, modulating inflammation, and promoting apoptosis. It binds specifically to certain glycan motifs on glycoproteins and glycolipids, influencing processes like cell adhesion and cytokine production. Aberrant or altered expression of galectin-2 has been associated with the pathogenesis of several disease states including inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, cancer, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Despite its functional importance in pathophysiology, there are currently no approved therapeutic drugs directly targeting galectin-2 in clinical use. Most research efforts center on understanding its regulation, function, and potential as a therapeutic target or biomarker in disease contexts, particularly diseases characterized by dysregulation of immune and inflammatory responses[1][2][3][6].

Other names

Gal-2HL14Beta-galactoside-binding lectin L-14-IILactose-binding lectin 2S-Lac lectin 2LEG2lectin, galactoside-binding, soluble, 2

No approved drugs; in animal models, anti-galectin-2 antibodies may inhibit galectin-2 function, modulating immune and inflammatory responses