One possible explanation for the apoptosis-inducing effect of rHDL1 particles might be the increased sensitivity of certain cancer cell lines to cholesterol depletion and disintegration of lipid rafts, specific plasma membrane microdomains required for the efficient concentration, and activation of pro-proliferative signaling cascades such as the Ras/ERK/MAPK or AKT pathways (reviewed in references 46 and 47). The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is cancer.