LGALS1
Description
The LGALS1 (galectin 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 22.
Galectin-1 is a protein encoded by the LGALS1 gene in humans. The gene comprises four exons. Galectin-1 consists of 135 amino acids and is highly conserved across species. It is found in various cellular locations, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell surface, and extracellular space. Although lacking a traditional signal sequence, galectins are secreted across the plasma membrane, requiring a functional glycan binding site. Galectin-1 possesses a single carbohydrate recognition domain that enables it to bind glycans as a monomer or homodimer. These dimers are non-covalently bound and dissociate spontaneously at low concentrations. Oxidized Galectin-1 does not bind glycans. With six cysteine residues, the oxidation state significantly influences the protein's structure.
Galectin-1 binds to beta-galactosides and a variety of complex carbohydrates. It plays a regulatory role in processes like apoptosis, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Galectin-1 also inhibits CD45 protein phosphatase activity, which prevents the dephosphorylation of Lyn kinase. Notably, it acts as a strong inducer of T-cell apoptosis.
LGALS1 is also known as GAL1, GBP.
