In GEO database, marked reduction of SPRR1B mRNA expression was evident in 68% (15/22) of primary HNSCC tumors compared to their corresponding normal (GEO #GDS2550), which supports our finding of barely detectable level of SPRR1B protein in moderate to poorly differentiated primary tumors and cell lines. The gene discussed is SPRR1B; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.