Lgals8, also known as galectin 8, belongs to a family of animal lectins. It plays diverse roles in modulating cell adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, and immune responses [3]. It is also involved in regulating the lysosomal damage response and autophagy, where it inhibits MTOR and activates TFEB for ATG and lysosomal gene transcription [2]. Additionally, it is part of the immune defense mechanism against intracellular pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis [4].

In glioma stem cells, suppression of Gal-8 prevents tumor growth and prolongs survival in mouse models, as hypoxia-induced Gal-8 maintains stemness via autophagy regulation [1]. In immune-competent Gal-8 knockout (KO) mice, systemic lower levels of cytokines and chemokines are expressed, and these mice experience reduced tumor size and fewer metastatic lesions when injected with cancer cells [3].

In conclusion, Lgals8 has crucial functions in multiple biological processes including autophagy regulation, cell-growth-related processes, and immune responses. Findings from Lgals8 KO mouse models have provided insights into its role in glioma and tumor-related conditions, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in these diseases.

References:

1. Liu, Dan, Zhu, Hongtao, Cheng, Lidong, Yu, Xingjiang, Li, Chuanzhou. . Hypoxia-induced galectin-8 maintains stemness in glioma stem cells via autophagy regulation. In Neuro-oncology, 26, 872-888. doi:10.1093/neuonc/noad264. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38158714/

2. Shariq, Mohd, Khan, Mohammad Firoz, Raj, Reshmi, Ahsan, Nuzhat, Kumar, Pramod. 2024. PRKAA2, MTOR, and TFEB in the regulation of lysosomal damage response and autophagy. In Journal of molecular medicine (Berlin, Germany), 102, 287-311. doi:10.1007/s00109-023-02411-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38183492/

3. Zick, Yehiel. . Galectin-8, cytokines, and the storm. In Biochemical Society transactions, 50, 135-149. doi:10.1042/BST20200677. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35015084/

4. Malik, Asrar Ahmad, Shariq, Mohd, Sheikh, Javaid Ahmad, Ehtesham, Nasreen Z, Hasnain, Seyed E. 2024. Activation of the lysosomal damage response and selective autophagy: the coordinated actions of galectins, TRIM proteins, and CGAS-STING1 in providing immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In Critical reviews in microbiology, 51, 108-127. doi:10.1080/1040841X.2024.2321494. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38470107/