VCAN and neoplasm: This conclusion is consistent with our observation that MT1-MMP surface expression was increased in cells bound to collagen I. Since localization of MT1-MMP to the cell membrane is required for its ability to degrade the extracellular matrix [32], the decreased surface expression of MT1-MMP associated with loss of versican would be predicted to have an effect on cell motility, and possibly, tumorigenesis by interfering with the ability of tumor cells to interact with the microenvironment.