Functions of galectin-3 and its role in fibrotic diseases.

Fibrotic diseases occur in a variety of organs and lead to continuous organ injury, function decline, and even failure. Currently effective treatment options are limited. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a pleiotropic lectin that plays an important role in cell proliferation, adhesion, differentiation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. Accumulating evidence indicates that Gal-3 activates a variety of profibrotic factors, promotes fibroblast proliferation and transformation, and mediates collagen production. Recent studies have defined key roles for Gal-3 in fibrogenesis in diverse organ systems, including liver, kidney, lung, and myocardial. To help set the stage for future research, we review recent advances about the role played by Gal-3 in fibrotic diseases. Herein we discuss the potential profibrotic role of Gal-3, inhibition of which may represent a promising therapeutic strategy against tissue fibrosis.