We have reviewed the therapeutic potential of α-crystallins more thoroughly elsewhere [95], but briefly, as T148 phosphorylation decreases substantially in diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR) [23], despite the upregulation of HSPB4 itself, it provides a potential target for the delay or treatment of DR, at least once the phosphorylation and protective mechanisms are further elucidated. The gene discussed is CRYAA; the disease is diabetes mellitus.