Manipulating the mitochondrial network formation, such as through overexpression of MFN2 or inhibition of Drp1, has been found to decrease growth and increase the occurrence of spontaneous apoptosis in lung cancer cells.236 Similarly, knocking down Drp1 stimulates increased numbers of mitochondrial elongation, proliferation retardation and an increase in apoptosis of both HCT116 and SW480 human colon cancer cells.236. The gene discussed is MFN2; the disease is lung cancer.