SPK2 is likely to play a role in various diseases, such as cancer,3, 4 cardiovascular diseases5, 6 and inflammation.7, 8, 9, 10 Recent studies also demonstrate that SPK2 is involved in stroke, preconditioning and neuronal autophagy11, 12, 13 and may be a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and management of cerebral ischemia. The gene discussed is SPHK2; the disease is cancer.