Galectin 8 (GAL8)

Galectin-8 is one of the galectins, beta-galactoside-binding lectins with conserved carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD). Galectin-8 essentially consists of two carbohydrate recognition domains separated by a linker that bears no similarity to any known protein. The gene symbol is LGALS8 [galactose-specific soluble lectin 8; lectin galactoside-binding soluble 8]. Galectin-8 has been identified originally as PCTA1 [Prostate carcinoma tumor antigen 1], an antigen expressed by prostate cancer cells .

Several isoforms appear to be expressed differentially in various tumoral cells . The protein is identical with Po66-CBP [Po66 carbohydrate-binding protein], identified by the Po66 monoclonal antibody.