With galectin-3 (an animal lectin, specific for β-galactosides) and Runx-2 (a transcription factor) we have identified two molecules that are expressed by tumor cells, but are absent in normal brain (Fig. 5). Due to their selective expression pattern both molecules could represent targets for new therapies.
Figure 5: The disruption of molecules selectively expressed by glioma cells may have a therapeutic potential. The micrograph shows the immunocytochemical detection of galectin-3 in a human glioma cell line (N.N. is a control element of a signaling pathway).