Increased NrCAM levels were found in well- or moderately differentiated pancreatic cancers, whereas this protein was reduced or absent in most poorly differentiated tumours, suggesting that differential NrCAM expression may be involved in the pathogenesis and invasive/metastatic behaviour of pancreatic tumours (Dhodapkar et al, 2001). The gene discussed is NRCAM; the disease is familial pancreatic carcinoma.