Galectin 3 acts as an enhancer of survival responses in H. pylori -infected gastric cancer cells

Galectin 3 (Gal-3) is upregulated in gastric epithelial cells as a host response to Helicobacter pylori infection. However, the significance of Gal-3 expression in H. pylori-infected cells is not well established. We analyzed Gal-3 intracellular expression, localization, and its effects in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. The predominantly nuclear confined Gal-3 was shown to be upregulated and exported out to the cytoplasm in H. pylori-infected AGS cells. The nuclear export was channeled through CRM-1 (exportin-1) protein. Interestingly, knock down of Gal-3 expression led to reduced NF-κB promoter activity and interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion, suggesting its pro-inflammatory roles. Furthermore, Gal-3 was found to be pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic in nature, as its knock down caused a reduction in cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis, respectively. Taken together, our data suggest the expression and upregulation of Gal-3 as a critical endogenous event in H. pylori infection that interferes with various intracellular events, causing prolonged cell survival, which is characteristic in carcinogenesis.