Expression of the endogenous galactose-binding protein galectin-3 correlates with the malignant potential of tumors in the central nervous system.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The 31-kilodalton beta-galactoside-binding protein galectin-3 has been associated with cellular transformation and metastasis. Because neural tissues contain large amounts of glycoconjugates, and endogenous carbohydrate-binding proteins have been described in the human brain, the authors examined the expression of galectin-3 in human brain tumors and metastases to the central nervous system.

METHODS:

Brain tumors were categorized by the World Health Organization system and galectin-3 expression by immunoperoxidase staining using a quantitative staining score.

RESULTS:

Glioblastomas (Grade 4 astrocytomas) all stained strongly for galectin-3, whereas low grade astrocytomas (Grade 2) did not express the endogenous lectin. Anaplastic astrocytomas (Grade 3) exhibited intermediate expression. The staining score was significantly associated with tumor grade (P < 0.001). Normal brain tissue and benign tumors did not express galectin-3, whereas metastases to the brain were all positive for galectin-3 expression. Metastases expressed significantly more galectin-3 than the primary tumors from which they were derived (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS:

Galectin-3 expression correlates with the malignant potential of tumors in the central nervous system.

• Authors: R S Bresalier, P S Yan, J C Byrd, R Lotan, A Raz
• Journal: Cancer (Cancer) Vol. 80 Issue 4 Pg. 776-87 (Aug 15 1997) ISSN: 0008-543X [Print] United States
• PMID: 9264362 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Differentiation
• Galectin 3
• Neoplasm Proteins
• Galactose

Topics

• Antigens, Differentiation (metabolism)
• Astrocytoma (metabolism, pathology)
• Brain Neoplasms (metabolism, pathology, secondary)
• Galactose (metabolism)
• Galectin 3
• Glioblastoma (metabolism, pathology)
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Neoplasm Proteins (metabolism)
• Protein Binding