The multifunctional activity of gal-3, as well as in the skin, results in great interest over other galectins for its role in various clinical conditions and diseases, such as asthma, cancer, atherosclerosis, CVD, obesity, diabetes mellitus, kidney disorders, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis, as well. The gene discussed is LGALS3; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.