Indeed, cytofluorimetric analysis revealed increased percentage of CD44+/CD24−/low cells in MCF7met cells and co-cultured breast cancer cells as well (KBr1 and KBr2) (Figure 7F, cytofluorimetric panels and bottom graphs), which was parallel to acquired adhesion-independent cells growth in KBr1 and KBr2 co-cultured in presence of ASCs (Additional file, Figure 2E). The gene discussed is CD44; the disease is breast cancer.