Figure 2.

Schematic representation of known and putative functions of galectin-7. In addition to the functions of galectin-7 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, migration and adhesion described in this issue, few evidence highlights other functions of galectin-7 in epithelia. As an illustration, galectin-7 has been shown to interfere with Transforming Growth factor β (TGFβ) signalling in response to Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) by promoting smad3 export from the nucleus and thus preventing liver fibrosis occurrence [45]. In addition, the commensal bacteria Finegoldia magna has been described to adhere to the upper layers of the epidermis through binding of the adhesion bacterial protein F. magna Adhesion Factor (FAF) to galectin-7, indicating that galectin-7 can bind to ligands from microbial origin [46].