Recent reports have highlighted a role for MPI in cancer cell proliferation or survival through varied mechanisms; regulation of TP53 O-linked-N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) via modulation of HBP activity21, reduction of cell surface receptor glycosylation and signalling22 or modulating the susceptibility of several cancers to the toxic effects of high mannose diets23. The gene discussed is CD177; the disease is cancer.