In this article, we review the data concerning expression and roles of galectin-7 in cancer and propose a comprehensive view of its contribution during cancer progression.
In addition to p53-linked proapoptotic activity intracellularly, galectin-7, acting as a lectin on the cell surface, appears to be capable of reducing cancer cell proliferation in susceptible systems.
Since galectin-7 expression has been associated with epithelial tissues and varies significantly in various types of cancer, we have investigated for the first time its role in breast cancer.
Although regulation of the galactoside-binding lectin galectin-7 in cancer has been studied, its role in tumor formation and progression remains controversial.
Galectin-7 is a candidate for a predictive marker of chemosensitivity against CDDP, and the targeted expression of galectin-7 might overcome the chemoresistance of urothelial cancer.