{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Galectin-3 is a 31 kDa beta-galactosidase binding lectin and belongs in the chimera-type in the galectin family. It contains a C-terminus carbohydrate recognition domain and a 100-150 amino acid residue long non-lectin N-terminal domain that allows it to oligomerize and form pentamers. Galectin-3 has been associated with binding to the basement membrane glycoprotein laminin and it is ubiquitously expressed in epithelia of many organs and various inflammatory cells, including macrophages, as well as dendritic cells and Kupffer cells. The expression of this lectin is up-regulated during inflammation, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and through trans-activation by viral proteins. Galectin-3 is a multifunctional protein engaged in different biological events, in different tissues, playing a relevant role in many different clinical conditions and diseases."}]}]}