Stains & CD markers
Galectin3
Copyright: 2003-2023, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Galectin 3
Galectin3
Author: Nat Pernick, M.D.
Last author update: 1 October 2013
Last staff update: 25 August 2023
Copyright: 2003-2023, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Galectin 3
Table of Contents
Definition / general | Uses by pathologists | Positive staining - normal | Positive staining - disease | Microscopic (histologic) images | Additional referencesCite this page: Pernick N. Galectin3. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/stainsgalectin3.html. Accessed November 28th, 2023.
Definition / general
- Member of carbohydrate-binding protein family known as lectins
- One of 14 galectins, which function as cell receptors for N-acetyl-lactosamine moieties present on most extracellular matrix components
- Also member of the beta-galactoside-binding protein family that plays an important role in cell - cell adhesion, cell - matrix interactions, macrophage activation, angiogenesis, metastasis, apoptosis
Uses by pathologists
- In one study, Gal-3+ with Ki67 > 6% was associated with parathyroid carcinomas vs. adenomas (Hum Pathol 2005;36:908)
Positive staining - normal
- Endothelial cells, peripheral nerve, folliculostellate cells of adenohypophysis
Positive staining - disease
- Tumors of thyroid, head and neck, liver, colon, prolactinomas; parathyroid carcinoma; rarely in reactive of hyperplastic parathyroid lesions
Microscopic (histologic) images
Contributed by Andrey Bychkov, M.D., Ph.D.
Immunostaining shows intrathyroidal cancer spread
Cytoplasmic and nuclear staining
Additional references
