Galectin-4 (Gal-4)

Galectin-4 is a carbohydrate-binding protein of the galectin family with two distinct carbohydrate recognition domains, allowing it to simultaneously bind different glycan ligands and crosslink them. It is mainly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, where it stabilizes lipid rafts and facilitates protein trafficking, cell adhesion, and wound repair. It also exhibits bactericidal activity and promotes neural development. Galectin-4 has context-dependent roles in cancer, inflammation, and infection—functioning as a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on tissue and regulatory environment. This makes it a promising but complex therapeutic target for diseases such as cancer and inflammatory conditions.

Other names

LGALS4GAL4L36LBPL36L Lactose-binding proteinAntigen NY-CO-27Lactose-binding lectin 4

Drugs or molecules that target galectin-4 typically aim to: - Block its carbohydrate-binding sites to inhibit glycan crosslinking (and thus prevent lipid raft stabilization, adhesion, or immune evasion) - Modulate its expression to suppress tumor progression or alter immune responses