From studying a genetic disorder known as NGLY1 deficiency, we realised that critical organs maintain their necessary functions for the vitality of NGLY1-deficient individuals.5,9 Although many types of cells present abnormal features in patients with NGLY1-deficiency, these abnormalities may be largely attributed to abnormal embryonic development rather than the direct effects of NGLY1 loss on terminally differentiated somatic cells. Here, NGLY1 is linked to hereditary disease.