This is particularly evident following the recent publication by Mahul-Mellier on Hela and MCF7 breast cancer cells, where downregulation of USP2a by siRNA promotes NF-kB activation and protects cells against TNF-induced cell death, as a consequence of the impairment of the USP2a-TRAF protein ratio.43, 44. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is breast carcinoma.