Figure 1.

Galectin-3 Structure, Carbohydrate Binding, and Oligomerization. This figure presents an in-depth look at the Galectin-3 (Gal-3) molecule, emphasizing its unique chimeric structure, the specificity of its carbohydrate interactions, and the process of oligomerization. The three-dimensional representation of Gal-3 displays its distinctive carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) and N-terminal tail. Notably, the figure highlights the binding of specific carbohydrate molecules, including lactose and N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), to the CRD of Gal-3. Furthermore, it depicts the oligomerization of Gal-3 molecules, wherein the N-terminal tails interact with each other to form complex higher-order structures. This interaction of Gal-3 and LacNAc within the CRD, along with its overall structure and carbohydrate binding capability, underscores Galectin-3’s critical roles in various biological processes.