Galectin-4 belongs to a subfamily of galectins composed of two carbohydrate recognition domains within the same peptide chain. The galectins are a family of beta-galactoside-binding proteins implicated in modulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, which inhibits chronic inflammations, GVHD, and allergic reactions. The expression of this gene is restricted to small intestine, colon, and rectum, and it is underexpressed in colorectal cancer.