Galectin-3 belongs to the lectin family of carbohydrate binding proteins. Galectin-3 is expressed by a wide range of cell types including activated T cells, tumor cells, macrophages, osteoclasts, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells. Galectin-3 has specific binding affinity for β-galactoside sugar moieties and has functional roles during development, innate immunity, cell apoptosis, and tumor metastasis. Galectin-3 is associated with cancer, heart failure, stroke, and inflammation. The amino acid sequences of human and mouse Galectin-3 proteins share 80% homology.