Galectin 5 (GAL5)

Galectin 5 (GAL5) contains 1 galectin domain. May function in erythrocyte differentiation. Galectin is a type of lectin which binds beta-galactoside. Galectins are widely distributed in animals with a wide variety of functions, including inhibition of chronic inflammations, GVHD, and allergic reactions.Galectins, a family of animal carbohydrate binding proteins (lectins), have been strongly implicated in inflammation and cancer and may be useful targets for development of new antiinflammatory and anti-cancer therapies. The project involves structural and biochemical analysis of galectins and studies of their roles in cell models of inflammation and cancer. As one part, potent galectin inhibitors are developed, by structure based drug design and combinatorial chemistry, to be used as research tools, and possible future medicines.