Galectin-3 Regulates Smooth Muscle Contraction and Blood Pressure by Modulating Ca1.2 Channel Function

Researchers aimed to elucidate the role of Gal-3 (galectin-3), a newly identified Ca_V1.2-binding protein, in the pathogenesis of hypertension. They identified Gal-3 as a novel binding partner and unexpected positive modulator of the Ca_V1.2 channel through binding to the intracellular II-III loop.