Galectin-1 modulates human melanoma cell adhesion to laminin.

Galectins constitute a gene family of beta-galactoside-specific lectins that show high homology in their carbohydrate-binding site. They have been postulated to be involved in many biological events, but their specific functions are not yet well defined. Galectin-1 is a laminin binding protein that recognizes poly-N-acetyllactosamine chains on this major basement membrane glycoprotein. In this study, we analyzed the possibility that galectin-1 could modulate interactions between human melanoma cells and laminin. We demonstrated that A375 and A2058 cell lines express galectin-1 both intracellularly and on the cell surface. In an in vitro assay, recombinant galectin-1 increased melanoma cell attachment to laminin in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was abolished by lactose. Anti-galectin-1 inhibited adhesion of melanoma cells to laminin in a dose-dependent fashion. However, neither galectin-1 nor anti-galectin-1 antibody affected melanoma cell spreading on laminin in vitro. These data indicate that galectin-1 might participate in melanoma cell adhesion to laminin and therefore could be a modulator of invasion and metastasis.

[Cystic fibrosis and pregnancy]. / Mucoviscidose et grossesse.

The authors point out the problems that are raised when a patient with cystic fibrosis becomes pregnant. Pregnancy in a patient with cystic fibrosis is rare but these patients do not seem to have diminished fertility. So it is likely that in the future this combination will increase in frequency. The genetic risk is raised. Heterozygotic subjects are about 3 to 5% of the population and there is a risk of 1 in 4 that heterozygotic parents who already have one child with cystic fibrosis will have a second. The BM test and the sweat test are used to screen for the disease at birth. The pregnancy does not always progress well. The level of prematurity is more than 26% and perinatal mortality is 11%. Furthermore, the birthweight of these children is at the lower limits of normal. Finally, the pregnancy makes the mother's state worse with an increase in her lung signs and change in her respiratory function. On the other hand, diabetes seems to be easily controlled. In conclusion, pregnancy seems to be detrimental for these patients.