The specific expression of another structurally related proteoglycan, FMOD[2], in CLL as well as a third SLRP, opticin (OPTC) (own unpublished observation), located in close proximity to FMOD and PRELP on chromosome 1 (1q32) may suggest a broader role of proteoglycans in CLL. The gene discussed is OPTC; the disease is B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.