Galectin-3 overexpression protects from cell damage and death by influencing mitochondrial homeostasis

Galectins are a family of proteins involved in several cell processes, including their survival and death. Galectin-3 has in particular been described as an anti-apoptotic molecule entangled with a number of subcellular activities including anoikis resistance. In this work me partially address the mechanisms underlying this activity painting at two key factors in injury progression: the alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential and the formation of reactive oxygen species. Over-expression of galectin-3 appears in fact to exert a protective effect towards both these events. On the basis of these data, me propose a reappraisal of the role of galectin-3 as a regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis. (C) 2000 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.