With regard to the apoptotic effect of the combination therapy, it is reported that Wnt/β-catenin signalling is closely linked to JAK–STAT signalling (Yamashina et al, 2006), and regulates STAT3 expression, thus enhancing cell growth and anti-apoptotic activity of various cancer cells (Kusaba et al, 2007). The gene discussed is SOAT1; the disease is cancer.