N.N. Zybina1, O.V. Tikhomirova2, E.A. Kulikova3, P.L. Prischep4, N.E. Kushlinskii5

1–3 Nikiforov Russian Center of Emergency and Radiation Medicine, EMERCOM of Russia (Saint-Petersburg, Russia)

4,5 N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Moscow, Russia)

Recent studies demonstrate the potential of galectins as biomarkers of pathological processes. Of greatest interest in this regard is galectin-3, whose high levels are associated with the development of fibrosis in chronic heart failure and, presumably, can be used to stratify the risk of patients with myocardial infarction. At the same time, many effects of galectins remain unexplored and require systematic analysis.

The purpose of this work is to analyze the data of modern literature on the role of galectins of various classes in the implementation of the fundamental mechanisms of cellular functions and intercellular interactions in various pathological conditions and diseases.

The review presents data on the structure and classification of the family of galactoside-binding proteins - galectins, their role in activation, secretion of cytokines, cell migration, proliferation and apoptosis, as well as in interaction with the extracellular matrix. The diverse functions of galectins, which cause the interest of researchers in revealing the role of galectins in the pathogenesis of various diseases and pathological conditions, are considered. Identification of specific mechanisms of involvement of galectins in the pathogenesis of diseases, determination of their diagnostic and prognostic significance can become the basis for their use as biomarkers of pathological processes and targets for therapeutic intervention.

Zybina N.N., Tikhomirova O.V., Kulikova E.A., Prischep P.L., Kushlinskii N.E. Galectins: characteristics, role in pathogenesis, clinical course and prognosis of diseases. Technologies of Living Systems. 2023. V. 20. № 2. Р. 5-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18127/j20700997-202302-01 (In Russian)

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