Taken together, the relatively sparse knowledge base available on the role of Gal-4 in stroke pathology and related processes, as well as its relationship to risk factors for stroke, such as metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, necessitate mechanistic and clinical studies to investigate the relative potential of Gal-4 as a prognostic marker for stroke outcome or even its potential as therapeutic target. The gene discussed is LGALS4; the disease is diabetes mellitus.