Description
Galectin 16 is the protein expressed predominantly and highly in syncytiotrophoblasts of the placenta and in the endothelia of fetal vessels. It is detected also in the amnion and chorionic trophoblasts in fetal membranes. Galectin-16 induces apoptosis of human CD3(+) T-cells, which may play a role in maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Recombinant galectin 16 is an E Coli expressed peptide, this protein is one of human placenta specific galectins, like all galectin family, it contains a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) as well. Increased blood concentration was found highly asscoaited with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome in pregnant women. The molecular weight of galectin 16 is 16 kDa, it forms homodimer, a 32 kDa size is also observed