LGALS3(galectin 3) encodes a member of the galectin family of carbohydrate binding proteins. Members of this protein family have an affinity for beta-galactosides. The encoded protein is characterized by an N-terminal proline-rich tandem repeat domain and a single C-terminal carbohydrate recognition domain. This protein can self-associate through the N-terminal domain allowing it to bind to multivalent saccharide ligands. This protein localizes to the extracellular matrix, the cytoplasm and the nucleus. This protein plays a role in numerous cellular functions including apoptosis, innate immunity, cell adhesion and T-cell regulation. The protein exhibits antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants.蛋白别名为:LGALS3; MAC2; Galectin-3; Gal-3; 35 kDa lectin; Carbohydrate-binding protein 35; CBP 35; Galactose-specific lectin 3; Galactoside-binding protein; GALBP; IgE-binding protein; L-31; Laminin-binding protein; Lectin L-29; Mac-2 antigen;基因ID为:3958;蛋白质ID:P17931