Galectin-3 is a member of the lectin family, of which 14 mammalian galectins have been identified. Galectin-3 is approximately 30 kDa and, like all galectins, contains a carbohydrate-recognition-binding domain (CRD) of about 130 amino acids that enable the specific binding of beta-galactosides. Galectin-3 is encoded by a single gene, LGALS3, located on chromosome 14, locus q21~q22. It is expressed in the nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondrion, cell surface, and extracellular space. This protein has been shown to be involved in the following biological processes: cell adhesion, cell activation and chemoattraction, cell growth and differentiation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Given galectin-3’s broad biological functionality, it has been demonstrated to be involved in cancer, inflammation and fibrosis, heart disease, and stroke. Studies have also shown that the expression of galectin-3 is implicated in a variety of processes associated with heart failure, including myofibroblast proliferation, fibrogenesis, tissue repair, inflammation, and Ventricular remodeling. Elevated levels of galectin-3 have been found to be significantly associated with higher risk of death in both acute decompensated heart failure and chronic heart failure populations.

This antibody binds to its immunogen, and did not show any cross reactivity with unrelated antigens in ELISA. Cross reactivity with mouse and rat Galcetin-3 has not been tested yet.

Store at 4°C if intended for use within one month, otherwise, store at -20°C to -80°C. The lyophilized antibody is stable for at least 18 months after the date of receipt when stored at -20°C to -80°C. After reconstitution, it can be aliquotted and stored at 4°C for 1 month or at -20°C to -80°C in a manual defrost freezer for many months without detectable loss activity.

12 months from the date of shipment when stored properly.