In addition, bone marrow-derived stem cells may also be involved; a series of studies has demonstrated that NIr exposure increases proliferation of c-kit-positive cells in the bone marrow and that, following myocardial infarction in rats, these cells are mobilized and recruited specifically to the site of damage where they are associated with a reduction in myocardial infarct size and ventricular dilatation (Tuby et al., 2011). The gene discussed is KIT; the disease is myocardial infarction.