Stains & CD markers
Galectin3


Last author update: 1 October 2013
Last staff update: 21 June 2021

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PubMed Search: Galectin-3[title]

Nat Pernick, M.D.
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Cite this page: Pernick N. Galectin3. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/stainsgalectin3.html. Accessed May 29th, 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
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