How does it act when soluble? Critical evaluation of mechanism of galectin-1 induced T-cell apoptosis

Acta Biol Hung. 2011 Mar;62(1):106-11. doi: 10.1556/ABiol.61.2011.1.11.

Abstract

Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a mammalian lectin induces apoptosis of T lymphocytes. Contradictory data have resulted in confusing knowledge regarding mechanism of Gal-1 induced T-cell apoptosis. In this paper we aimed to resolve this controversy by comparing cell death induced by low (1.8 μM, lowGal-1) and high (18 μM, highGal-1) concentration of soluble Gal-1. We show that lowGal-1 and highGal-1 trigger phosphatidylserine exposure, generation of rafts and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. In contrast, lowGal-1 but not highGal-1 is dependent on the presence of p56lck and ZAP70 and activates caspase cascade. The results allow the conclusion that the cell-death mechanism strictly depends on the concentration of Gal-1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Galectin 1 / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / drug effects
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*

Substances

  • Galectin 1
  • Caspases