Galectin‐3, a β‐Galactoside‐Binding Animal Lectin, Binds to Neural Recognition Molecules

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, we have investigated the ability of galectin‐3, a β‐galactoside‐binding animal lectin, to interact in vitro with different neural tissue‐derived glycoproteins involved in cell‐cell and cell‐substrate adhesion. Galectin‐3 interacted to varying degrees with the cell recognition molecules L1, the myelin‐associated glycoprotein, and the neural cell adhesion molecule and the extracellular matrix molecules tenascin‐C and tenascin‐R but not with collagen type I. Binding of galectin‐3 to the different glycoproteins tested was carbohydrate dependent and could be specifically inhibited by the addition of lactose and, to a lesser extent, galactose.