Binding of leptin to one of the six isoforms of the leptin receptor induces the activation of various signalling pathways including the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), MAPK and PI3K pathways, which ultimately promote cell proliferation.81,82 Leptin signalling through the leptin receptor also activates mammary cancer stem cells and is necessary for mammary stem cell survival and maintenance83 (Fig. 2). The gene discussed is LEP; the disease is breast cancer.