LGALS16 Human

Galectin-16 (Gal-16) is a member of the galectin family, which comprises soluble β-galactoside-binding proteins. These proteins play crucial roles in regulating various biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune responses . Galectin-16 is one of the prototype galectins, characterized by a single carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) .

Galectin-16 is unique among prototype galectins as it exists as a monomer and exhibits distinct β-galactoside binding properties . The protein has a calculated molecular weight of 17.4 kDa and migrates as an 18 kDa protein under reducing conditions in SDS-PAGE analysis . It is primarily expressed in the placenta, where it contributes to T cell apoptosis, immune regulation, and immune tolerance, which are essential for fetal development .

Galectin-16 plays a significant role in the immune system, particularly at the maternal-fetal interface. It forms complexes with c-Rel, a member of the NF-κB family of transcription factors, suggesting that Galectin-16 activates signal transduction pathways via the c-Rel hub in B or T cells . This interaction is crucial for maintaining immune tolerance during pregnancy.

The expression of the galectin-16 gene (LGALS16) is regulated at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels . Studies have shown that LGALS16 is upregulated in placental cell lines (BeWo and JEG-3) in response to 8-Br-cAMP, a cyclic AMP analog that induces trophoblastic differentiation . Bioinformatics analyses have also revealed that LGALS16 expression is associated with various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and brain disorders .

Given its role in immune regulation and tolerance, Galectin-16 has potential clinical applications in reproductive medicine and immunotherapy. Its involvement in T cell apoptosis and immune modulation makes it a promising target for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing immune tolerance during pregnancy or modulating immune responses in autoimmune diseases and cancer .