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Godefa TM, Derks S, Thijssen VLJL. Galectins in Esophageal Cancer: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235790. [PMID: 36497271 PMCID: PMC9736038 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is a disease with poor overall survival. Despite advancements in therapeutic options, the treatment outcome of esophageal cancer patients remains dismal with an overall 5-year survival rate of approximately 20 percent. To improve treatment efficacy and patient survival, efforts are being made to identify the factors that underlie disease progression and that contribute to poor therapeutic responses. It has become clear that some of these factors reside in the tumor micro-environment. In particular, the tumor vasculature and the tumor immune micro-environment have been implicated in esophageal cancer progression and treatment response. Interestingly, galectins represent a family of glycan-binding proteins that has been linked to both tumor angiogenesis and tumor immunosuppression. Indeed, in several cancer types, galectins have been identified as diagnostic and/or prognostic markers. However, the role of galectins in esophageal cancer is still poorly understood. Here, we summarize the current literature with regard to the expression and potential functions of galectins in esophageal cancer. In addition, we highlight the gaps in the current knowledge and we propose directions for future research in order to reveal whether galectins contribute to esophageal cancer progression and provide opportunities to improve the treatment and survival of esophageal cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesfay M. Godefa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology & Immunology, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Derks
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology & Immunology, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Jaarbeursplein 6, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Victor L. J. L. Thijssen
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology & Immunology, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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Galectokines: The Promiscuous Relationship between Galectins and Cytokines. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091286. [PMID: 36139125 PMCID: PMC9496209 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins, a family of glycan-binding proteins, are well-known for their role in shaping the immune microenvironment. They can directly affect the activity and survival of different immune cell subtypes. Recent evidence suggests that galectins also indirectly affect the immune response by binding to members of another immunoregulatory protein family, i.e., cytokines. Such galectin-cytokine heterodimers, here referred to as galectokines, add a new layer of complexity to the regulation of immune homeostasis. Here, we summarize the current knowledge with regard to galectokine formation and function. We describe the known and potential mechanisms by which galectokines can help to shape the immune microenvironment. Finally, the outstanding questions and challenges for future research regarding the role of galectokines in immunomodulation are discussed.
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Mijailović NR, Vesic K, Arsenijevic D, Milojević-Rakić M, Borovcanin MM. Galectin-3 Involvement in Cognitive Processes for New Therapeutic Considerations. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:923811. [PMID: 35875353 PMCID: PMC9296991 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.923811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment may be a consequence of the normal aging process, but it may also be the hallmark of various neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Early identification of individuals at particular risk for cognitive decline is critical, as it is imperative to maintain a cognitive reserve in these neuropsychiatric entities. In recent years, galectin-3 (Gal-3), a member of the galectin family, has received considerable attention with respect to aspects of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The mechanisms behind the putative relationship between Gal-3 and cognitive impairment are not yet clear. Intrigued by this versatile molecule and its unique modular architecture, the latest data on this relationship are presented here. This mini-review summarizes recent findings on the mechanisms by which Gal-3 affects cognitive functioning in both animal and human models. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of Gal-3 in modulating the inflammatory response as a fine-tuner of microglia morphology and phenotype. A review of recent literature on the utility of Gal-3 as a biomarker is provided, and approaches to strategically exploit Gal-3 activities with therapeutic intentions in neuropsychiatric diseases are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša R. Mijailović
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Nataša R. Mijailović,
| | - Katarina Vesic
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dragana Arsenijevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | | | - Milica M. Borovcanin
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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Wang L, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Wu X. The Role of Galectins in Cervical Cancer Biology and Progression. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:2175927. [PMID: 29854732 PMCID: PMC5964433 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2175927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the malignant tumors with high incidence and high mortality among women in developing countries. The main factors affecting the prognosis of cervical cancer are the late recurrence and metastasis and the effective adjuvant treatment, which is radiation and chemotherapy or combination therapy. Galectins, a family containing many carbohydrate binding proteins, are closely involved in the occurrence and development of tumor. They are involved in tumor cells transformation, angiogenesis, metastasis, immune escape, and sensitivity against radiation and chemotherapy. Therefore, galectins are deemed as the targets of multifunctional cancer treatment. In this review, we mainly focus on the role of galectins, especially galectin-1, galectin-3, galectin-7, and galectin-9 in cervical cancer, and provide theoretical basis for potential targeted treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufang Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanshi Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Aanhane E, Schulkens IA, Heusschen R, Castricum K, Leffler H, Griffioen AW, Thijssen VL. Different angioregulatory activity of monovalent galectin-9 isoforms. Angiogenesis 2018; 21:545-555. [PMID: 29500586 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-018-9607-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Galectin-9 consists of two peptide-linked carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs), but alternative splicing and proteolytic processing can give rise to multiple galectin-9 isoforms. Some of these consist of a single CRD and can exert different functions in cell biology. Here, we explored the role of these galectin-9 isoforms in endothelial cell function and angiogenesis. For this, we compared the effects of the two separate CRDs (Gal-9N and Gal-9C) with the tandem repeat galectin-9M on endothelial cell proliferation, migration, sprouting and tube formation in vitro as well as on angiogenesis in vivo using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Galectin-9 isoforms significantly affected proliferation in quiescent endothelial cells and migration in activated endothelial cells. Interestingly, both monovalent gal-9 CRDs displayed opposite effects compared to gal-9M on proliferation and migration. Sprouting was significantly inhibited by gal-9C, while all isoforms appeared to stimulate tube formation. Angiogenesis in vivo was hampered by all three isoforms with predominant effects on vessel length. In general, the isoforms induced only subtle concentration-dependent effects in vitro as well as in vivo. Collectively, the effects of different galectin-9 isoforms in endothelial cell biology depend on the cellular activation status. While opposing effects can be observed on a cellular level in vitro, all galectin-9 isoforms hamper angiogenesis in vivo. This warrants further investigation of the regulatory mechanisms that underlie the diverging roles of galectin-9 isoforms in endothelial cell biology since this could provide therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ed Aanhane
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iris A Schulkens
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roy Heusschen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, Liege, Belgium
| | - Kitty Castricum
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hakon Leffler
- Section Microbiology, Immunology, Glycobiology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Victor L Thijssen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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6
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Liu Y, Liu Z, Fu Q, Wang Z, Fu H, Liu W, Wang Y, Xu J. Galectin-9 as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in bladder urothelial carcinoma. Urol Oncol 2017; 35:349-355. [PMID: 28347658 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Galectin-9, a member of the "tandem repeat" type galectins performing as animal lectins with an affinity for β-galactosides, has been well documented to exert crucial functions in immunomodulation, survival, and growth of various tumors. This study aims to reveal the clinical significance of galectin-9 in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) postoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively included 202 patients with UCB who underwent radical cystectomy at a single institute from 2002 to 2014. Galectin-9 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. The Kaplan-Meier method was conducted to plot survival curves. Prognostic nomograms were constructed via integrating all the independent indicators from multivariate Cox analysis for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). In addition, we evaluate whether patients with increased or decreased galectin-9 expression might benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS Low galectin-9 expression was significantly correlated with lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.002), early recurrence (P = 0.010), and short CSS (P = 0.002). Furthermore, multivariate analysis identified galectin-9 expression as a potential independent indicator for RFS (hazard ratio = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.40-0.95; P = 0.030) and CSS (hazard ratio = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.26-0.81; P = 0.008). Moreover, the benefit associated with adjuvant chemotherapy was superior among galectin-9 low patients than among galectin-9 high patients (P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Expression of galectin-9 is an independent prognostic factor for RFS and CSS in patients with UCB. Evaluation of galectin-9 expression may predict the benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zewei Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hangcheng Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weisi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Wang
- Department of Urology, Ninth People׳s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiejie Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Zhou L, Patel KN. The management of thyroid nodules and cancer in the molecular era. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINE ONCOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/ije.15.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing worldwide. Current standards in the diagnosis and management of thyroid cancer are limited by the uncertainty of fine-needle aspiration samples that are indeterminate in nature. Molecular markers have the potential to improve the accuracy of thyroid fine-needle aspiration and to aid the physician in giving a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis. This paper summarizes the various molecular markers currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhou
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Biochemistry & Otolaryngology, Thyroid Cancer Interdisciplinary Program, NYU Langone Medical Center, 530 First Avenue, Suite 6H, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kepal N Patel
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Biochemistry & Otolaryngology, Thyroid Cancer Interdisciplinary Program, NYU Langone Medical Center, 530 First Avenue, Suite 6H, NY 10016, USA
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8
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Komita H, Koido S, Hayashi K, Kan S, Ito M, Kamata Y, Suzuki M, Homma S. Expression of immune checkpoint molecules of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin protein 3/galectin-9 for NK cell suppression in human gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Oncol Rep 2015; 34:2099-105. [PMID: 26239720 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody therapy for immune checkpoint blockade has achieved promising results for several types of malignant tumors. For the future treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) by immune checkpoint blockade, expression of immune checkpoint-related molecules that suppress antitumor immunity in GISTs was examined. Infiltration of immune cell types into 19 GIST tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and expression of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin protein 3 (Tim-3) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) in the infiltrated immune cells was examined by immunofluorescence microscopy. The expression status of galectin-9 in the GIST tumor cells was also determined by immunohistochemistry. All the GIST tissues showed CD8+ T cell infiltration and 8 showed CD56+ natural killer (NK) cell infiltration, and the numbers of infiltrated CD8+ T and NK cells were strongly correlated. However, these CD8+ T and NK cells were CD69-negative inactivated cells. Tim-3 was expressed in the infiltrated NK cells in 6/8 (75%) of the GIST tissues. Expression of galectin-9, a ligand of Tim-3, was observed in 13/19 (68.4%) GIST tissues and all of the GIST tissues with Tim-3+ NK cell infiltration showed positive galectin-9 expression. No PD-1 expression in the infiltrated NK cells and neither Tim-3 nor PD-1 expression was observed in the infiltrated CD8+ T cells. Interaction between Tim-3 in infiltrated NK cells and galectin-9 in tumor cells may be involved in an immune checkpoint mechanism for suppression of antitumor immunity in GISTs. Blockade of the Tim-3/galectin-9 pathway may become a new strategy for GIST treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Komita
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Koido
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazumi Hayashi
- Division of Oncology, Research Center for Medical Science, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin Kan
- Division of Oncology, Research Center for Medical Science, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Ito
- Division of Oncology, Research Center for Medical Science, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kamata
- Division of Oncology, Research Center for Medical Science, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masafumi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sadamu Homma
- Division of Oncology, Research Center for Medical Science, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Thijssen VL, Heusschen R, Caers J, Griffioen AW. Galectin expression in cancer diagnosis and prognosis: A systematic review. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2015; 1855:235-47. [PMID: 25819524 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Galectins are a family of proteins that bind to specific glycans thereby deciphering the information captured within the glycome. In the last two decades, several galectin family members have emerged as versatile modulators of tumor progression. This has initiated the development and preclinical assessment of galectin-targeting compounds. With the first compounds now entering clinical trials it is pivotal to gain insight in the diagnostic and prognostic value of galectins in cancer as this will allow a more rational selection of the patients that might benefit most from galectin-targeted therapies. Here, we present a systematic review of galectin expression in human cancer patients. Malignant transformation is frequently associated with altered galectin expression, most notably of galectin-1 and galectin-3. In most cancers, increased galectin-1 expression is associated with poor prognosis while elevated galectin-9 expression is emerging as a marker of favorable disease outcome. The prognostic value of galectin-3 appears to be tumor type dependent and the other galectins require further investigation. Regarding the latter, additional studies using larger patient cohorts are essential to fully unravel the diagnostic and prognostic value of galectin expression. Furthermore, to better compare different findings, consensus should be reached on how to assess galectin expression, not only with regard to localization within the tissue and within cellular compartments but also regarding alternative splicing and genomic variations. Finally, linking galectin expression and function to aberrant glycosylation in cancer cells will improve our understanding of how these versatile proteins can be exploited for diagnostic, prognostic and even therapeutic purposes in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor L Thijssen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Roy Heusschen
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-Research, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Jo Caers
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-Research, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Thijssen VL, Rabinovich GA, Griffioen AW. Vascular galectins: regulators of tumor progression and targets for cancer therapy. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2013; 24:547-58. [PMID: 23942184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Galectins are a family of carbohydrate binding proteins with a broad range of cytokine and growth factor-like functions in multiple steps of cancer progression. They contribute to tumor cell transformation, promote tumor angiogenesis, hamper the anti-tumor immune response, and facilitate tumor metastasis. Consequently, galectins are considered as multifunctional targets for cancer therapy. Interestingly, many of the functions related to tumor progression can be linked to galectins expressed by endothelial cells in the tumor vascular bed. Since the tumor vasculature is an easily accessible target for cancer therapy, understanding how galectins in the tumor endothelium influence cancer progression is important for the translational development of galectin-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor L Thijssen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Shin T. The pleiotropic effects of galectin-3 in neuroinflammation: a review. Acta Histochem 2013; 115:407-11. [PMID: 23305876 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2012.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The β-galactoside-binding lectin, galectin-3, is expressed in a variety of mammalian cells and tissues. It is involved in cell adhesion, activation, proliferation, apoptosis and cell migration. It also plays an important role in inflammation as a pro-inflammatory mediator. The involvement of galectin-3 in various inflammation models, including those of autoimmune disease, skin disease, and cancer, has been investigated extensively. Moreover, galectin-3 has been suggested to be a therapeutic target for various diseases. The present review deals with the expression of galectin-3 in central nervous system (CNS) tissues during normal development and in various models of inflammation. The available information indicates that galectin-3 is essential for normal brain development and plays diverse roles in CNS inflammation, combining pro-inflammatory roles with re-modeling capacity in damaged CNS tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taekyun Shin
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 690-756, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Heusschen R, Griffioen AW, Thijssen VL. Galectin-9 in tumor biology: a jack of multiple trades. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2013; 1836:177-85. [PMID: 23648450 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Galectin family members have been shown to exert multiple roles in the context of tumor biology. Several recent findings support a similar multi-faceted role for galectin-9. Galectin-9 expression is frequently altered in cancer as compared to normal tissues. In addition, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that galectin-9 is involved in several aspects of tumor progression, including tumor cell adhesion and survival, immune escape and angiogenesis. Also, galectin-9 shows potential as a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target for several malignancies. In this review we summarize both the established and the emerging roles of galectin-9 in tumor biology and discuss the potential application of galectin-9 in anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Heusschen
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Palacios-Corona R, González-Salazar F, Cerda-Flores RM, Vargas-Villarreal J, González-Murillo E, Gutiérrez-Hermosillo H, Gómez-Rueda H, Tamez-Peña L, Rivera-Silva G, Tamez-Pérez HE. Galectin labeling of cells from paraffinized tissues may serve as a diagnostic tool in the detection and classification of thyroid carcinomas. Endocr Pathol 2012; 23:161-7. [PMID: 22700315 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-012-9215-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study seeks to determine whether the relative levels of attachment to galectins 1 and 3 of cells from thyroid tissues embedded in paraffin blocks can differentiate thyroid tumors from normal tissues. A total of 48 thyroid paraffin sample blocks from 4 groups of patients were analyzed: 12 samples served as controls, 12 samples were from patients with thyroid adenoma, 12 samples were from patients with thyroid follicular carcinoma, and 12 samples were from patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma. The relative attachment of cells to galectins 1 and 3 antigens was determined using the InnoCyte™ ECM Cell Adhesion kit at different cell sample concentrations. All of the samples from thyroid tissue preparations showed attachment to galectins 1 and 3. The samples from tissues with a diagnosis of adenoma, follicular and papillary carcinoma showed an increased adherence to galectins 1 and 3 relative to the controls. Significant differences were found between the means of the adherent cells from the adenomas compared with the follicular and papillary carcinoma samples. When the outcomes from the galectins 1 and 3 cell surface binding were compared, no statistical differences were found. The cells from adenoma and carcinoma samples show more adhesion to galectins 1 and 3 than cells from the control samples. The samples prepared from follicular and papillary carcinomas show more cells adherent to galectins 1 and 3 than those from the adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Palacios-Corona
- División de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Colonia Independencia, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.
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