Enhanced expression of α-actinin may switch GBM tumor cells from a strongly adhesive and low-motility phenotype to a highly contractile and invasive phenotype, and the possibility that invading glioma cells may stiffen the brain parenchyma as they invade [7] suggests a complex interplay between ECM rigidity, α-actinin, and vinculin. The gene discussed is VCL; the disease is central nervous system cancer.