Galectin-13 (GAL13) / Placental Protein 13 (PP13) [PP13/1162]

Summary

It recognizes a 32kDa protein, which is identified as homodimer of galectin-13 (also known as PP13). Galectins are a family of soluble -galactoside-binding lectins that modulate cell-to-cell adhesion and cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions and play a role in tumor progression, pre-mRNA splicing and apoptosis. One such member, galectin-13, is a 139 amino acid protein that contains one galectin domain. Possessing lysophospholipase activity, galectin-13 exists as a disulfide-linked homodimer. Galectin-13 is suggested to have a developmental role in the placenta and may display immunobiological activity in feto-maternal blood-spaces. Screening for galectin-13 in maternal serum during the first trimester of pregnancy may serve as a diagnostic marker to predict preterm pre-eclampsia.