The therapeutic potential of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The therapeutic potential of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Expert Rev Neurother. 2020 Apr 17;:1-10
Authors: Ramírez Hernández E, Sánchez-Maldonado C, Mayoral Chávez MA, Hernández-Zimbrón LF, Patricio Martínez A, Zenteno E, Limón Pérez de León ID
Abstract
Introduction: Neuroinflammation has been proposed as a common factor and one of the main inducers of neuronal degeneration. Galectins are a group of β-galactoside-binding lectins, that play an important role in the immune response, adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, migration and cell growth. Up to 15 members of the galectin's family have been identified; however, the expression of galectin-1 and galectin-3 has been considered a key factor in neuronal regeneration and modulation of the inflammatory response. Galectin-1 is necessary to stimulate the secretion of neurotrophic factors in astrocytes and promoting neuronal regeneration. In contrast, galectin-3 fosters the proliferation of microglial cells and modulates cellular apoptosis, therefore these proteins are considered a useful alternative for the treatment of degenerative diseases.Areas covered: This review describes the roles of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in the modulation of neuroinflammation and their potential as therapeutic targets in the treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.Expert opinion: Although data in the literature vary, the effects of galectin-1 and galectin-3 on the activ...

Source: Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics - April 19, 2020 Category: Neurology Tags: Expert Rev Neurother Source Type: research