Conformational switches and redox properties of the colon cancer-associated human lectin ZG16.

Zymogen granule membrane protein 16 (ZG16) is produced in organs that secrete large quantities of enzymes and other proteins into the digestive tract. ZG16 binds microbial pathogens, and lower ZG16 expression levels correlate with colorectal cancer, but the physiological function of the protein is poorly understood. One prominent attribute of ZG16 is its ability to bind glycans, but other aspects of the protein may also contribute to activity.