A large body of evidence indicates that increased soluble EMMPRIN released from cancer cells can stimulate the MMP synthesis and activation of surrounding stromal cells so as to promote the progression of tumours (Yoshida et al, 2000; Sun and Hemler, 2001; Davidson et al, 2003; Muramatsu and Miyauchi, 2003; Ishibashi et al, 2004; Marieb et al, 2004; Gabison et al, 2005a, 2005b; Li et al, 2005; Tang et al, 2005; Zhou et al, 2005; Sier et al, 2006; van der Jagt et al, 2006). The gene discussed is BSG; the disease is cancer.