For example, cytokines such as interferon gamma (IFNɣ), interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα; also known as TNF) can drive beta (β) cell dysfunction, damage and death in diabetes mellitus (Hatanaka et al., 2006; Dandona et al., 2004). The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is diabetes mellitus.