More recently, it was discovered that inhibition of ASMase activity mediates the effects of antidepressant drugs in hippocampal neurons4, 5, selectively kills cancer cells by destabilizing their fragile lysosomes6, 7, reduces inflammation associated with cystic fibrosis8, decreases atherosclerotic lesions9 and diminishes symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease10. The gene discussed is SMPD1; the disease is cancer.