Synonyms:
AGE-R3, CBP30, CBP35, gal-3, GAL3, GALBP, GALIG, GBP, L-34, L31, LGALS2, LGALS3, Mac-2, MAC2, Galectin 3.
Introduction:
Galactose-specific lectin which binds IgE. May mediate with the alpha-3, beta-1 integrin the stimulation by CSPG4 of endothelial cells migration. Together with DMBT1, required for terminal differentiation of columnar epithelial cells during early embryogenesis. In the nucleus: acts as a pre-mRNA splicing factor. Involved in acute inflammatory responses including neutrophil activation and adhesion, chemoattraction of monocytes macrophages, opsonization of apoptotic neutrophils, and activation of mast cells.