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Galectin‐3 gene ( LGALS3 ) expression in experimental atherosclerosis and cultured smooth muscle cells
Author(s) -
Arar Chantal,
Gaudin Jean-Charles,
Capron Loı̈c,
Legrand Alain
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)00683-8
Subject(s) - galectin 3 , galectin 1 , galectin , microbiology and biotechnology , vascular smooth muscle , gene expression , biology , gene , smooth muscle , chemistry , immunology , endocrinology , biochemistry
The galectin‐3 gene ( LGALS3 ) encodes a β‐galactose binding lectin. LGALS3 expression is associated with neoplastic transformation and with differentiation of monocytes to macrophages. Factors involved in migration, proliferation, adhesion and differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) play a major role during atherosclerosis development. Expression of the galectin‐3 gene was not detected in quiescent SMC but was activated in aortas of hypercholesterolemic rabbits, in aortas of rats after balloon injury and in cultured SMC. These results suggest that galectin‐3 production is involved in the developmental process of atherogenesis.