Galectin-1

Galectin-1 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the LGALS1 is_associated_with::gene.

Gene and protein
LGALS1 contains four is_associated_with::exons. The galectin-1 protein is 135 amino acids in length and highly conserved across species. It can be found in the nucleus, the cytoplasm, the cell surface and in the extracellular space. Galectins in general lack a traditional signal sequence, but are still secreted across the plasma membrane. This non-traditional secretion requires a functional is_associated_with::glycan binding site. Galectin 1 contains a single carbohydrate recognition domain through which it can bind glycans both as a monomer and as a homodimer. Dimers are non-covenantly bound and will spontaneously disassociate in low concentration. Galectin 1 does not bind glycans when oxidized. Having 6 cysteine residues, the oxidation state has a significant effect on the protein structure. The oxidized form is reported to have alternative functions not involving carbohydrate binding.

Function
The is_associated_with::galectins are a family of beta-galactoside-binding proteins implicated in modulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Galectin-1 may act as an is_associated_with::autocrine negative growth factor that regulates is_associated_with::cell proliferation. Galectin-1 expression in Hodgkin Lymphoma has also been shown to mediate immunosuppression of CD8+ T-cells.

Role in pregnancy
Galectin-1 is thought to play a role in creating is_associated_with::immune tolerance in pregnancy. Galectin-1 is expressed by the endometrial stromal cells throughout the menstrual cycle, however significantly increases during implantation. Galectin-1 induces the differentiation of is_associated_with::Dendritic cells towards a phenotype which dampens T helper 1 cells and is_associated_with::T helper 17 cells and dampens inflammation via interleukin-10 and interleukin-27. It also plays a role in the formation and expression of is_associated_with::HLA-G in the is_associated_with::syncytium.

Interactions
LGALS1 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::GEMIN4 is_associated_with::HRAS.