Versican V1 induces integrin-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway (Wu et al, 2004b); recently, we reported that the ERK pathway is responsible for TGF-β tumour promoting effects in high-grade gliomas (Nickl-Jockschat et al, 2007). The gene discussed is TGFB1; the disease is neoplasm.