This gene is predominantly expressed in placenta. The encoded protein belongs to the galectin (galaptin/S-lectin) family. The members of galectin family contain one or two carbohydrate recognition domains, which can bind beta-galactoside. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been observed. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008] see less This gene is predominantly expressed in placenta. The encoded protein belongs to the galectin (galaptin/S-lectin) family. The members of galectin family contain one or two carbohydrate recognition domains, which can bind beta-galactoside. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been observed. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]