Fig. 1.

Gene and protein structures of galectins. A Prototype galectins that contain a CRD capable of forming monomers or non-covalent homodimers. B Tandem repeat galectins. Two different but homologous CRDs connected by a functional linker peptide, present in monomeric or oligomeric form. C Chimera galectins consist of an approximate 120-amino acid N-terminus attached to a CRD and form oligomers with increased binding affinity. Members of galectin families not discovered in humans are marked in purple. Representative gene structures are illustrated as indicated