With the use of a small molecule SCD inhibitor,26 which could be selectively against Δ5 and Δ6 desaturases, or gene interference, studies have shown that the proliferation of cancer cells strictly depends on SCD activity.27, 28, 29 These experiments have, for the first time, found direct evidence that SCD is a key factor of tumour cell proliferation and survival. The gene discussed is SCD; the disease is neoplasm.