SAMD9 and neoplasm: SAMD9 has also been associated with the viral host defence mechanism, especially poxviruses,19–21 and tumour suppression.17,22 More recently, it has been shown to have nucleic acid binding capacity, important for antiviral and antiproliferative functions.23 As more insight is obtained on the biological function or functions of SAMD9, detailed data from patient-derived materials, and associated cellular ultrastructural changes, could provide more evidence for underlying disease mechanisms.