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Galectins are a class of lectins that are extensively expressed in all organisms. Galectins are involved in a range of functions, including early development, tissue regeneration, cancer and inflammation. It has been shown that galectin-8 is expressed in the villous and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells of the human placenta; however, its physiological role in pregnancy establishment has not been elucidated. Taking these factors into account, we investigated the functional role of galectin-8 in HTR-8/SVneo cells—a human EVT cell line—and human primary cytotrophoblast cells isolated from a first-trimester placenta. We analyzed the effects of recombinant human galectin-8 (rh galectin-8) on the adhesion, migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells. We used qPCR, cell-based ELISA (cELISA) and gelatin zymography to study the effects of galectin-8 on mediators of these processes, such as integrin subunits alpha-1 and beta-1 and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and -9, on the mRNA and protein levels. Further, we studied the effects of galectin-8 on primary cytotrophoblast cells' invasion. Galectin-8 stimulated the adhesion, migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, as well as the invasion of primary cytotrophoblasts. In addition, the MMP-2 and -9 levels were increased, while the expression of integrins alpha-1 and beta-1 was not affected. Galectin-8 has the ability to positively affect EVTs' invasion, so it can be considered a significant factor in the trophoblast cell invasion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galectins are found in the placenta during both normal and pathological conditions. Specifically, galectins -1, -3, and -8 have been identified in extravillous trophoblast cells, with galectins -1, and -3 playing notable roles in trophoblast cell function. Altered expression profiles of galectins are linked to various cancers. This study explores the expression and localization of galectins -1, -3, and -8 in a normal extravillous HTR-8/SVneo cell line and two choriocarcinoma cell lines, JAR and JEG-3. Expression levels of these galectins at both mRNA and protein levels were evaluated using PCR, qPCR, and Western blotting, while their cellular localization and distribution were assessed through immunocytochemistry, subcellular fractionation, and Western blotting. Galectins -1, -3, and -8 were expressed at lower levels in JAR and JEG-3 cells compared to HTR-8/SVneo cells. Additionally, different splice variants of galectin-8 were detected across all cell lines. Galectin-1 was predominantly localized at the plasma membrane. Notable differences in galectin-3 localization and distribution were observed between HTR-8/SVneo cells and choriocarcinoma cells. These findings highlight variations in the expression, staining patterns, and subcellular distribution of galectins -1, -3, and -8, suggesting their potential involvement in the pathology of choriocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galectins are a family of conserved soluble proteins defined by an affinity for β-galactoside structures present on various glycoconjugates. Over the past few decades, galectins have been recognized as important factors for successful implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated their involvement in trophoblast cell function and placental development. In addition, several lines of evidence suggest their important roles in feto-maternal immune tolerance regulation and angiogenesis. Changed or dysregulated galectin expression is also described in pregnancy-related disorders. Although the data regarding galectins' clinical relevance are still at an early stage, evidence suggests that some galectin family members are promising candidates for better understanding pregnancy-related pathologies, as well as predicting biomarkers. In this review, we aim to summarize current knowledge of galectins in early pregnancy as well as in pregnancy-related pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]