Galectins in cancer and the microenvironment: Functional roles, therapeutic developments, and perspectives

23Citations
Citations of this article
31Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Changes in cell growth and metabolism are affected by the surrounding environmental factors to adapt to the cell’s most appropriate growth model. However, abnormal cell metabolism is correlated with the occurrence of many diseases and is accompanied by changes in galectin (Gal) performance. Gals were found to be some of the master regulators of cell–cell interactions that reconstruct the microenvironment, and disordered expression of Gals is associated with multiple human metabolic-related diseases including cancer development. Cancer cells can interact with surrounding cells through Gals to create more suitable conditions that promote cancer cell aggressiveness. In this review, we organize the current understanding of Gals in a systematic way to dissect Gals’ effect on human disease, including how Gals’ dysregulated expression affects the tumor microenvironment’s metabolism and elucidating the mechanisms involved in Gal-mediated diseases. This information may shed light on a more precise understanding of how Gals regulate cell biology and facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment by targeting the Gal family.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Li, C. H., Chang, Y. C., Chan, M. H., Yang, Y. F., Liang, S. M., & Hsiao, M. (2021, September 1). Galectins in cancer and the microenvironment: Functional roles, therapeutic developments, and perspectives. Biomedicines. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9091159

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free