Reduction of galectin-3 expression reduces pituitary tumor cell progression.

We investigated the role of galectin 3 in the development and progression of pituitary tumors. We used RNA interference to depress Gal-3 gene expression; MTT and flow cytometry were applied to detect changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis levels in pituitary tumor cells. Expression of apoptosis-associated genes, Bcl-2 and Baxk was analyzed by Western blot. Inhibition of Gal-3 gene expression by RNA interference decreased GH3 cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis; the expression levels of Gal-3 protein significantly decreased, along with those of Bcl-2, although Bax levels did not change. We conclude that Gal-3 has an important role in pituitary tumor cell proliferation and progression; and it may be useful as a target for the treatment of aggressive pituitary tumors.