Gal-3 shares several significant structural properties with Bcl-2 family. Both proteins contain anti-death motif, critical for their anti-apoptotic function but the mechanism by which gal-3 exhibits antiapoptotic activity cannot be explained solely on it. Depending on the type, state and condition of the cell as well as depending on the type of stimulus gal-3 can show pro- or anti-apoptotic activity.