This gene encodes a member of the galectin family of carbohydrate binding proteins. Members of this protein family have an affinity for beta-galactosides. The encoded protein is characterized by an N-terminal proline-rich tandem repeat domain and a single C-terminal carbohydrate recognition domain. This protein can self-associate through the N-terminal domain allowing it to bind to multivalent saccharide ligands. This protein localizes to the extracellular matrix, the cytoplasm and the nucleus. This protein plays a role in numerous cellular functions including apoptosis, innate immunity, cell adhesion and T-cell regulation. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants.Synonyms: 35 kDa lectin, CBP35, Carbohydrate-binding protein 35, GAL3, GALBP, Galactose-specific lectin 3, IgE-binding protein, L-31, L-34 galactoside-binding lectin, Laminin-binding protein, Lectin L-29, Lgals3, Mac-2