Background

Galectins are proteins of the lectin family, which posess carbonhydrate recognition domains binding specifically to β-galactoside sugar residues. In humans 10 different galectines have been identified, among which is galectin-3.

Galectin-3 has a size of about 30kDA and is encoded by a single gene, LGALS3. It has many physiological functions, such as cell adhesion, cell growth and differentiation, and contribute to the development of cancer, inflammation, fibrosis and others.

Idea

The specific binding of galectin-3 enables the construction of a detetcion system. Parts of the lipopolysaccharide structure (LPS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be bound by galectin-3. A fusion protein of galectin-3 and a reporter protein, such as a fluorescent protein, can be built with which Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be detected.

Aims

A galectin-3 - RFP fusion protein is built and expressed. A his-tag and a snap-tag for purification is included.

Achievements

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