RNA analysis of GSCs also revealed increased expression of mesenchymal/stemness markers (Fibronectin, YLK-4, CD44 and Sox2) following treatment with IL-17, suggesting that IL-17 may play a role in altering the plasticity of gliomas by inducing ‘stemness’ or enhancing glial-mesenchymal transition. The gene discussed is CD44; the disease is glioma.