STAT4 and Insulin resistance: Interestingly, reduced levels of SYVN1 have been reported to mediate DR pathogenesis via reduced inhibition of ER stress and vascular overgrowth [45]; STAT4 polymorphism has been shown to be associated with early-onset Type 1 diabetes [46]; FOXO1 is a key transcription factor known to induce insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes [47]; MAF is highly expressed in pancreatic duct and islet cells [48]; and LGALS3 may exacerbate neuroinflammation in the diabetic retina and optic nerve in vitro [49].