Galectin-1: biphasic growth regulation of Leydig tumor cells.

Abstract

Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a widely expressed beta-galactoside-binding protein that exerts pleiotropic biological functions. To gain insight into the potential role of Gal-1 as a novel modulator of Leydig cells, we investigated its effect on the growth and death of MA-10 tumor Leydig cells. In this study, we identified cytoplasmic Gal-1 expression in these tumor cells by cytofluorometry. DNA fragmentation, caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim), cytochrome c (Cyt c) release, and FasL expression suggested that relatively high concentrations of exogenously added recombinant Gal-1 (rGal-1) induced apoptosis by the mitochondrial and death receptor pathways. These pathways were independently activated, as the presence of the inhibitor of caspase-8 or -9 only partially prevented Gal-1-effect. On the contrary, low concentrations of Gal-1 significantly promoted cell proliferation, without inducing cell death. Importantly, the presence of the disaccharide lactose prevented Gal-1 effects, suggesting the involvement of the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). This study provides strong evidence that Gal-1 is a novel biphasic regulator of Leydig tumor cell number, suggesting a novel role for Gal-1 in the reproductive physiopathology.

• Authors: Verónica A Biron, M Mercedes Iglesias, María F Troncoso, Marcos Besio-Moreno, Zoraida J Patrignani, Omar P Pignataro, Carlota Wolfenstein-Todel
• Journal: Glycobiology (Glycobiology) Vol. 16 Issue 9 Pg. 810-21 (Sep 2006) ISSN: 0959-6658 [Print] England
• PMID: 16769778 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Galectin 1
• Neoplasm Proteins
• Lactose

Topics

• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Proliferation (drug effects)
• Cytoplasm (metabolism, pathology)
• DNA Fragmentation (drug effects)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Galectin 1 (biosynthesis, pharmacology)
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic (drug effects)
• Humans
• Lactose (pharmacology)
• Leydig Cells (metabolism, pathology)
• Male
• Membrane Potentials (drug effects)
• Mitochondria (metabolism, pathology)
• Neoplasm Proteins (biosynthesis)
• Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor (metabolism, pathology)
• Testicular Neoplasms (metabolism, pathology)