This gene encodes a member of the galectin family of carbohydrate binding proteins. Members of this protein family have an affinity for beta-galactosides. The encoded protein is characterized by an N-terminal proline-rich tandem repeat domain and a single C-terminal carbohydrate recognition domain. This protein can self-associate through the N-terminal domain allowing it to bind to multivalent saccharide ligands. This protein localizes to the extracellular matrix, the cytoplasm and the nucleus. This protein plays a role in numerous cellular functions including apoptosis, innate immunity, cell adhesion and T-cell regulation. The protein exhibits antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants.[provided by RefSeq, Oct 2014],function:Galactose-specific lectin which binds IgE. May mediate with the alpha-3, beta-1 integrin the stimulation by CSPG4 of endothelial cells migration. Together with DMBT1, required for terminal differentiation of columnar epithelial cells during early embryogenesis.,online information:Galectin-3,similarity:Contains 1 galectin domain.,subcellular location:Cytoplasmic in adenomas and carcinomas. May be secreted by a non-classical secretory pathway and associate with the cell surface.,subunit:Probably forms homo- or heterodimers. Interacts with DMBT1 (By similarity). Forms a complex with the ITGA3, ITGB1 and CSPG4. Interacts with LGALS3BP, LYPD3, CYHR1 and UACA.,tissue specificity:A major expression is found in the colonic epithelium. It is also abundant in the activated macrophages.,