The deletion of the status of Beclin 1 gene in human cancers may promote tumorigenesis, as targeted mutant mice with heterozygous disruption of the Beclin 1 gene could decrease autophagic activity and spontaneously develop tumors including lung cancer, lymphoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and mammary precancerous lesions [20], [21]. The gene discussed is BECN1; the disease is lung cancer.