Although inhibition of SphK1 using either RNA interference or pharmacologic approaches reduced the expression of CMV-encoded genes and CMV replication in the latter study, a time-dependent shift in the effects of CMV infection on de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis was noted, including activation within 24 h of infection and inhibition at later time points [12]. The gene discussed is SPHK1; the disease is cytomegalovirus infection.