LGALS4

LGALS4 encodes Galectin-4, a member of the galectin family characterized by two carbohydrate recognition domains. It is also known as LG4 or galectin-4. Galectin-4 functions as a lectin, binding to β-galactoside-containing glycoconjugates to modulate cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK signaling pathways, regulating epithelial cell homeostasis and inflammation.
Aberrant LGALS4 expression is linked to inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, where it may promote tumor progression by enhancing cell invasion and angiogenesis. Preclinical studies explore galectin-4 inhibitors as potential therapeutics, targeting its carbohydrate-binding activity to disrupt cancer cell survival and metastatic processes.