Galectins

**Definition:** A class of animal lectins that bind specifically to beta-galactoside in a calcium-independent manner. Members of this class are distiguished from other lectins by the presence of a conserved carbohydrate recognition domain. The majority of proteins in this class bind to sugar molecules in a sulfhydryl-dependent manner and are often referred to as S-type lectins, however this property is not required for membership in this class.

**Tree numbers:** - D12.776.503.307

**Synonyms:** - beta-D-Galactosyl-Specific Lectin - beta-Galactoside Binding Lectin - D-Galactoside-Binding Lectin - Galactose-Binding Lectin - Galaptins - Galectin - Lectins, S-Type - S-Type Lectin - S-Type Lectins