Galectin-7 (PIG1) exhibits pro-apoptotic function through JNK activation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release.

Galectin-7 is normally expressed in all types of stratified epithelia, but is significantly down-regulated in squamous cell carcinomas. This protein was recently found to be highly inducible by p53 in a colon carcinoma cell line, DLD-1, and designated as PIG1 (for p53-induced gene 1). We studied transfectants of HeLa and DLD-1 cells ectopically expressing this protein and found that they were more susceptible to apoptosis than control transfectants.

The efficacy of dispersal in relation to safe site density.

For plant species, the most immediate function of dispersal is the placement of propagules in safe sites where they can grow and survive. The efficacy of any mode of dispersal is measured by the number of propagules so placed, and depends on the distribution of distances traveled by propagules and by the density of safe sites. A graphical model is developed to describe the relationship between these two factors, and to provide a method for comparing the efficacy of dispersal in different species.