Galectin and Lectin

Dear Colleagues,

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that have a wide distribution in nature, and which recognize specific carbohydrate structures, many expressed on cell surfaces. They mediate various physiological and pathological phenomena through cell–cell and host–pathogen communications. Galectins are an evolutionarily conserved family of endogenous lectins that specifically recognize b-galactoside containing ligands and have a broad range of functions, including mediation of cell–cell interactions, cell–matrix adhesion and cellular signalling. Galectins have roles associated with many conditions including inflammatory diseases, fibrosis and cancer. Lectins such as galectins have promise as drugs for treatments, as diagnostics of human diseases, and the design of antagonists that regulate the carbohydrate-binding activity of some lectins have potential for development of therapeutics.

This Special Issue is devoted to reviewing published results as well as presenting original data on the classification and families, carbohydrate binding activity, structural characteristics that influence lectin function and inform in the design of antagonists and biological activities of galectins and other lectins with roles in human disease. Articles and reviews on the functional aspects of lectins and galectins, including those associated with their emerging roles in conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, are of particular interest.

Prof. Dr. Helen Blanchard
Guest Editor