protein_function:
Galectin-3(GAL3), also known as LGALS3, MAC2 or GALBP, is a member of the lectin family, of which 14 mammalian galectins have been identified. 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. 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. Galectin-3 is expressed in various tissues and organs, but is significantly absent in normal hepatocytes.