LGALS14 Human
Description
Introduction to LGALS14 Human
LGALS14 (lectin, galactoside-binding, soluble, 14), also known as galectin-14, is a member of the galectin family of carbohydrate-binding proteins. It is predominantly expressed in the human placenta and has been implicated in immune regulation, apoptosis, and cancer progression . Structurally, LGALS14 is a prototype galectin with a unique dimerization mechanism involving β-strands S5 and S6, distinguishing it from other galectins like galectin-1 and galectin-3 .
Gene and Protein Overview
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Protein Isoforms: Two isoforms generated by alternative splicing .
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Binding Specificity: Weak affinity for β-galactosides (e.g., lactose) due to substitutions in the canonical ligand-binding site (Gln53, His57) .
Cancer-Related Functions
LGALS14 is aberrantly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and ovarian cancer, where it promotes tumor growth and survival .
Mechanistic Insights:
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Glycometabolism: Modulates glycoside synthesis, particularly heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), enhancing growth factor (e.g., EGF, TGF-α) responsiveness .
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Apoptosis: De novo expression in HEK-293 cells increases basal and etoposide-induced apoptosis .
Immune Regulation
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T-Cell Apoptosis: Acts as a strong inducer of T-cell apoptosis, potentially modulating immune tolerance .
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Interactions: Binds to CD45 phosphatase, inhibiting its activity and affecting Lyn kinase signaling .
Biomarker Candidates
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Tumor Specificity: Expressed predominantly in placenta and cancer tissues (e.g., HCC, ovarian), making it a potential biomarker with limited off-tumor effects .
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Detection Methods:
Therapeutic Strategies
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CRISPR-Cas9 Knockdown: Inhibits HCC cell proliferation by reducing HSPG synthesis .
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Targeted Inhibition: Blocking galectin-14 expression or HSPG synthesis (e.g., EXT1 knockdown) may attenuate tumor growth .
Research Challenges and Future Directions
Product Specs
Q&A
Basic Research Questions
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What is the molecular structure and function of human LGALS14?
LGALS14 (Galectin-14) is a 139-amino acid protein (Met1-Asp139) belonging to the galectin family of carbohydrate-binding proteins. It has a molecular weight of approximately 10 kDa as detected by Western blot analysis under reducing conditions . The protein binds beta-galactoside and lactose and functions as a strong inducer of T-cell apoptosis . LGALS14 is also known as placental protein 13-like (PPL13) or Charcot-Leyden crystal protein 2 (CLC2), reflecting its expression patterns and functional characteristics . For experimental applications, researchers can use recombinant full-length protein expressed in E. coli systems to study its structural and functional properties.
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What is the normal tissue expression pattern of LGALS14 in humans?
LGALS14 demonstrates a highly tissue-specific expression pattern in normal human tissues. Transcriptomic analyses consistently show that placenta expresses the highest number of LGALS14 transcripts compared to other normal tissues . Additionally, LGALS14 is expressed in eosinophils and is released by these cells following allergen stimulation, suggesting a possible role in allergic inflammation . This expression pattern has been validated through both in silico analysis of TCGA datasets and experimental validation using PCR and Western blot techniques . For researchers studying LGALS14, placental tissue and eosinophil cell lines serve as positive controls for expression analysis.
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How does LGALS14 compare to other members of the galectin family?
Within the galectin family, LGALS14 shows distinct expression patterns and potentially unique roles compared to well-studied members like LGALS1 and LGALS3. In ovarian cancer specifically, LGALS14 exhibits a higher percentage of genetic amplification than other family members, including LGALS1, LGALS3, LGALS10, LGALS12, LGALS13, and LGALS16 . While galectins such as GAL-1 and GAL-7 have been extensively documented in female reproductive tract neoplasia, LGALS14 represents a less-studied member with potentially significant biological implications. Researchers should consider analyzing multiple galectin family members in parallel for comprehensive studies, as LGALS14 may interact with or complement the functions of other galectins.
Product Science Overview
Galectin-14, also known as LGALS14, is primarily expressed intracellularly in the placenta and eosinophils . Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell involved in the body’s immune response, particularly in combating parasitic infections and in allergic reactions. Upon allergen stimulation, eosinophils release Galectin-14 .
The exact biological functions of Galectin-14 are still being investigated. However, it is believed to play a role in modulating immune responses, particularly in the context of allergic reactions and inflammation . The ability of Galectin-14 to bind to β-Galactoside suggests it may be involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, which are crucial for various physiological processes .
Recombinant Galectin-14 refers to the protein produced through recombinant DNA technology, which allows for the expression of the protein in a controlled laboratory setting. This recombinant form is used in various research applications to study the protein’s structure, function, and potential therapeutic uses .
