GOLS4 Antibody

Introduction to Galectin-4 Antibody

Galectin-4 (LGALS4) is a 36 kDa tandem-repeat β-galactoside-binding lectin predominantly expressed in gastrointestinal epithelial cells and secreted into the extracellular space . Galectin-4 antibodies are polyclonal or monoclonal immunoglobulins designed to detect or neutralize this protein, which plays critical roles in:

• Apical trafficking of glycoproteins in enterocytes .

• Lipid raft stabilization and cell adhesion .

• Intestinal inflammation and tumor progression .

Structure and Functional Characteristics

Galectin-4 contains two carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) with 40% sequence similarity, enabling crosslinking of distinct ligands (e.g., blood group antigens, sulfated lipids) . Key structural and functional attributes include:

Research Findings and Applications

Galectin-4 antibodies are instrumental in studying its roles in physiology and disease. Below are key insights:

Detection Methods

Functional Roles

• Apical Trafficking: Galectin-4 recruits glycoproteins into lipid rafts, directing them to the apical membrane .

• Bactericidal Activity: Binds blood group B antigens on bacterial surfaces, triggering pathogen clearance .

• Tumor Progression: Elevated expression in breast and liver carcinomas correlates with metastasis .

Clinical and Therapeutic Relevance

• Inflammatory Diseases: Galectin-4 modulates intestinal inflammation by interacting with T cells and macrophages .

• Cancer Immunotherapy: Neutralizing Galectin-4 may disrupt tumor microenvironment interactions, though specific antibody-based therapies remain under investigation .

Validation and Specificity

Future Directions

Emerging studies highlight Galectin-4’s role in lipid metabolism and extracellular matrix remodeling. Antibodies targeting its CRDs may offer novel therapeutic strategies for:

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Managing inflammation or barrier dysfunction.

• Oncology: Disrupting tumor cell adhesion and migration.