EIF4A2 and cancer: Inhibition of eIF4A results in reduced expression of several oncogenes, including cyclin D1, Bcl-x and MUC1,18, 19 and improves chemosensitivity in mouse models of lymphoma.19, 20 In breast and prostate cancer xenograft models, eIF4A inhibition enhanced apoptosis and diminished tumor angiogenesis and proliferation.21 Recently, several natural small molecules that inhibit eIF4A have been described, notably silvestrol21 and hippuristanol,22 and there is considerable interest in such agents as potential anti-cancer treatments.