Galectin binding to cells and glycoproteins with genetically modified glycosylation reveals galectin–glycan specificities in a natural context
Galectins compose a protein family defined by a conserved sequence motif conferring affinity for -galactose– containing glycans. Moreover, galectins gain higher affinity and fine-tune specificity by glycan interactions at sites adjacent to their -galactoside– binding site, as revealed by extensive testing against panels of purified glycans. However, in cells, galectins bind glycans on glycoprotein